International Cuisine

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International Cuisine Michael F. Nenes, CEC, CCE Photography by Joe Robbins

JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.

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International Cuisine Michael F. Nenes, CEC, CCE Photography by Joe Robbins

JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.

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∞ This book is printed on acid-free paper.

C 2009 by Education Management Corporation. All rights reserved. Copyright 

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. Published simultaneously in Canada. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400, fax 978-646-8600, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, 201-748-6011, fax 201-748-6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. For general information on our other products and services, or technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the United States at 800-762-2974, outside the United States at 317-572-3993 or fax 317-572-4002. Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books. For more information about Wiley products, visit our Web site at http://www.wiley.com. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data: Nenes, Michael F. International cuisine / Michael F. Nenes; photography by Joe Robbins. p. cm. Includes index. ISBN 978-0-470-05240-2 (cloth) ISBN 978-0-470-41076-9 (custom) 1. Cookery, International. I. Title. TX725.A1N46 2009 641.59–dc22 2008009580 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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Contents Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction

iv v vi

Mexico South America The Caribbean Japan China Korea Southeast Asia Spain The Middle East Turkey, Greece, and Crete Africa India The British Isles France Italy Germany, Austria, Switzerland Scandinavia and Russia

1 49 106 148 198 271 313 371 410 454 501 543 599 640 690 742 785

References Index

827 828

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Foreword Despite my training in classical French cooking techniques, I have long valued the cuisines of countries from all over the world and found great inspiration in them. As a young apprentice, I was fortunate to have trained in France’s most famous kitchens including ´ and Paul Haeberlin, and then spent a number of those of Paul Bocuse, Roger Verge, years on cruise ships that exposed me to the excitement of world cuisines. Later, after a two-year stint in Brazil, I settled in San Francisco, a city with a food community that has always deeply appreciated a wide variety of international cuisines. At Fleur de Lys and more recently at our Burger Bar restaurants, I have created dishes which are sometimes directly—sometimes subtly—enhanced with flavors and cooking techniques found outside my original French classical training, and I have seen how these international influences have drawn enthusiasm from my diners. I am delighted that The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes have put together this comprehensive book of world cuisines that is certain to become a treasured resource for anyone who cooks, both professionally and at home. It has everything needed to truly understand and master a wide array of international cuisines, especially Asian cuisines, which are now such an important part of the American dining landscape. The detailed and vivid descriptions of the history of the food culture for each cuisine are not only fascinating, but also give the reader an understanding of how each cuisine evolved. The comprehensive ingredient lists are a tremendous resource for anyone wishing to recreate the recipes. It is also extremely interesting to read about the cooking utensils from each cuisine along with the detailed descriptions of the cooking techniques. Finally, the book contains a treasure of authentic recipes that not only look delicious, but truly and accurately reflect the featured cuisine. I know that International Cuisine is certain to have a prominent place in my culinary library and I hope yours as well. Hubert Keller Chef-Owner Fleur de Lys, San Francisco and Las Vegas Burger Bar, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and St. Louis SLeeK Steakhouse, St. Louis

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Acknowledgments The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes wish to thank the following contributors for their efforts on behalf of International Cuisine: Author Michael F. Nenes, MBA, CEC, CCE. This first edition of International Cuisine is the result of intensive cooperative and collaborative effort by many individuals. Thanks to Lois Nenes, M.Ed., for her tremendous amount of research, writing, editing, and support. Every effort was made to find information that could be supported by at least two documented sources. Lois was a supportive colleague and we both enjoyed the tremendous amount of exploring and learning needed to complete this project. Photographer Joe Robbins of Joe Robbins Photography, Houston, Texas. Joe taught at The Art Institute of Houston for over 15 years, helping to shape the careers of students in the visual arts. His collaboration and outstanding photography contribute to the effectiveness of this book. Certified Master Chef Klaus Friedenreich, Chef Hugh Chang, and Chef Scott Fernandez worked with culinary students at The Art Institute of Houston, testing recipes to prepare and plate the food photographed for the book. This was a tremendous task made possible by hard work, organization, and culinary passion. Thank you to the following Art Institutes’ instructors, staff, and students for their efforts on behalf of International Cuisine: Staff members Jose Ferreira and Waldemar “Wally” Marbach; Instructors Soren Fakstrop; Joseph Bonaparte, CCE, CCC, MHM; Mark Matin, MBA; Michael Edrington, CCC, MHM; Nathan Hashmonay; Shannon Hayashi, CEC, M.Ed; Anita Bouffard, MBA, CWA, CWS; Jeff Kennedy, CHE; Scott Maxwell, M.Ed; Stephan Kleinman, CEC, CCE, AAC; Matthew J. Bennett, M.Ed, CEC, CCE, CWPC, CFBE; Ricardo Castro; Simon Vaz, MBA, Ed.S. CHE; Eyad Joseph, CEC, CCE, CCA; Mark Mattern, MBA, CEC; Hugh Chang; and Scott Fernandez; and students Claudia Turcios; Bryce Smith; Ian Caughey; Camilla Guerrero; Amber Bush; and Elizabeth Sanchez.

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Introduction The idea for International Cuisine seemed natural and obvious in light of the importance of increased globalization. At the same time, The International Culinary School at The Art Institutes went through an extensive review process that emphasizes an international focus. The most compelling concept, explored with industry professionals, current students, our faculty, and prospective students, centered on teaching students about a wide variety of countries and regions, cultures, and ingredients and the crucial role they play in a variety of cuisines. Industry professionals acknowledge that while fundamental skills are still most critical, it is important for culinary students to have exposure to a wide range of cultural, sociological, and geographical information because the marketplace is demanding it. Due to changing demographics and evolving tastes of consumers, restaurateurs are under increasing pressure to offer more diverse and/or creative menus. Culinary students who have had a broader exposure to a variety of international cuisines will be more versatile and creative culinarians. We believe students who develop a good palate, expand their range of taste, and develop the techniques gain a better understanding of the culinary arts. The intent of International Cuisine is to serve as a window for students to explore the different cultures and cuisines of the world. Culinary programs have always taught some type of international cuisine course, but while there are numerous good books centered on a particular country (such as Italy) or region (such as Latin America), there has been no one book that adequately brings together the world’s regions. International Cuisine does just that, teaching the wide range of regions around the world and how history, geography, and religion—not to mention the ingredients—influence the different cuisines. International Cuisine is unique. Many of a cuisine’s culinary traits result from conditions that naturally exist in the region or country—factors such as geography, climate, agriculture, as well as historical, cultural and religious influences from settlers, invaders, and neighboring countries. Each chapter is divided into the geography of the area (including a map of the country or countries being discussed), the history, the people and their contributions, and the foods particular to the region. Some chapters are countries discussed individually, others include two or more countries, and several discuss an entire continent. The effort was to choose countries that are culinary representatives of the world. Following this introduction of each country or countries, each chapter contains a

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INTRODUCTION

glossary of ingredients and dishes as well as a selection of menus and recipes characteristic of the cuisine and its heritage. Each menu and recipe in International Cuisine was selected and tested for its representation of the cuisine, to insure a variety of culinary techniques, a variety of ingredients, and availability of ingredients. However, many of the recipes have been influenced by local customs, ingredient availability, and the inspiration of international chefs, so they have been reformulated to conform to current practices. Methods of preparation are clearly broken down into straightforward steps, and follow a logical progression for completion of the recipe. Here are some important tips for using International Cuisine: r It is important to understand that to yield a superior dish, you must start with high-quality ingredients. Good results cannot be obtained with substandard ingredients. r Some ingredients are highly specific to a region and may be difficult to obtain elsewhere. The goal was to keep the unusual ingredients to a minimum so that the recipes can be prepared in areas that do not have large ethnic communities. These recipes are followed by Chef Tips, which indicate suitable substitutions. r All herbs called for in recipes should be fresh unless specified as dried. r All butter called for in recipes should be unsalted unless specified otherwise. r It is recommended that the olive oil produced by each country be used for that country’s recipes. For countries that do not produce olive oil but the ingredient is used in its recipes, use a good quality olive oil. r It is recommended that both white and black pepper be ground fresh to the level of coarseness called for in the recipes. Ground pepper loses strength over time, making it difficult to judge the quantity needed. r When citrus juice is called for in the recipes, it should be squeezed from fresh fruit rather than reconstituted from concentrate. r Many of the cooking times indicated in the recipes are approximations. The altitude, type of cookware used, and amount of heat applied are all variables that affect cooking time. Professional cooks use these times as a guide but determine doneness by appropriate means.

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One of the wonderful outcomes of our exploration turned out to be the discovery that most of these cuisines are based on sustainable food choices. Sustainable production enables the resources from which it was made to continue to be available for future generations. We support the positive shift in America and world-wide toward local, smallscale sustainable farming. An Instructor’s Manual (978-0-470-25406-6) is also available to qualified adopters of this book. It contains chapter objectives, the skills and techniques required to prepare the recipes, suggestions for mise en place demonstrations, additional information on each menu, expanded and detailed chef’s tips, and a chapter test. For an electronic version of this Instructor’s Manual, please visit www.wiley.com/college and click on Culinary Arts.

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Mexico The Land Long and narrow, Mexico forms what looks like a curved horn between the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. To the west is the Pacific Ocean. The Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea lie to the east. Two huge mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre Occidental to the west, and the Sierra Madre Oriental to the east, run the length of the country, forming a giant V. Between these mountain ranges lie a series of plateaus. The plateau in the north is largely desert land, while the long central plateau father south is more fertile. Near the tip of the horn, the Yucatan Peninsula juts into the Atlantic Ocean. A long, narrow peninsula called Baja dangles from California’s southern border. The southern coasts are home to tropical rain forests and jungles. With most of its eastern and western borders being on the coast, some Mexican cuisine is based on seafood. There are good grazing areas in the north, with some fertile agricultural land to the south; however, between arid conditions and challenging terrain, only 12 percent of the country gets enough rain for crops.

History Mexico is a country of great contrasts. Within its borders, there are scorching deserts, snowcapped volcanoes, and lush tropical rain forests. Mexico is also one of the twenty richest

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nations in the world but, as in nearby Central American countries, there are big differences between standards of living of the rich and the poor. Long before the first European explorers arrived in 1519, Mexico was the home of some of the world’s greatest civilizations. A thousand years ago, Mexico was inhabited by groups of Mayan Indians, who had developed a very advanced civilization. They built large cities out of stone, developed systems of writing and arithmetic, and created beautiful works of art. Mayan settlements were situated close to cenotes, natural water holes that allowed for survival in an inhospitable tropical climate. The basis of the culture was farming, which included the cultivation of corn, beans, squash, and chile peppers. Chiles, both fresh and dried, are used more for flavor than heat and pop˜ poblano, serrano, guajillo, chipotle, pasilla, habanero, ancho, ular varieties include jalapeno, mulatto, and cascabel. Squash, including pumpkins, and zucchini are used as vegetables; their blossoms are stuffed or incorporated in soups and sauces; and squash seeds are dried, ground, and used in sauces. Tomatoes were cultivated and became an essential ingredient along with tomatillos, small green tomatoes encased in papery husks. It was the conquest of Mexico by Spain in 1521 that had the most influence on Mexican cuisine. Not only did the conquistadors introduce new types of livestock to the area, such as pigs, cows, and sheep, but they also introduced dairy products such as cheese and the fat from the cattle. The Spanish, themselves heavily influenced by the Arabic Moors of western Africa, introduced the most distinctive features of their cuisine to Mexico. Perhaps most characteristic is the combination in one dish of various finely chopped ingredients. Highly seasoned and spiced meat casseroles, hot pots of meats and vegetables, fruit syrups, and pasta and rice pilaf are Arab in origin. The Spanish brought many herbs as well as an abundance of Far Eastern spices like cinnamon and cloves. Wheat, an essential staple of the Spanish diet, was introduced to the region. Citrus fruits, peaches, melons, figs, and cherries as well as garlic, carrots, turnips, and eggplants became regular items in the diet. Sugarcane was cultivated and became an important trade item, and with this widely available sweet Mexicans developed many deserts and sweets. Many Spanish-style “convent” desserts were developed by the nuns and priests who came to cook for the viceroys (royal officials that governed the provinces). For many years convents all over Mexico have supported themselves by making marzipan-like candies, with almonds and pepitas (pumpkin seeds). This period also saw the assimilation of many other cultures, cuisines, and ingredients, including French, Portuguese, Caribbean (particularly in the Veracruz area in the southeast), West African, and South American. Today, almost 80 percent of contemporary Mexicans are descendants of both native and Spanish cultures and are called mestizo. There are more than fifty native groups, including the Nahua, Zapotec, Mixtec, Maya, Purepecha, Trahumara, Huastec, Mayo, Yaqui, and Otomi Indians, who account for fewer than 10 percent of the population. The remaining 10 percent comprises others of European descent. The Roman Catholic Church plays an important part in the everyday life of most Mexicans and religious festivals and celebrations take place in towns and cities across the country throughout the year.

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The Food Although it is very diverse among the various Mexican regions, Mexican food is rich in color and flavor. Areas along the ocean are famous for their abundant mariscos (seafood dishes). Inland and highland mountain areas are famous for stews, intricate sauces, and corn-based recipes. Desert areas have cultivated delicacies of different sorts. In some desert regions, for example, there are numerous dishes containing varieties of cactus plants. While Mexico is made up of thirty-one states and one federal district, the country can be divided into six regions: northern Mexico, central Mexico, southern Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, the Pacific Coast, and the Baja Peninsula.

NORTHERN MEXICO

The north is mostly desert—a vast, high, windswept plateau flanked by the Occidental and Oriental chains of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The states of Chihuahua, Coajuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas are part of this region. The cooking of northern Mexico gets its strongest influence from the ranching culture, predominately cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep. Ranch-style food is prepared with indigenous ingredients and cooked over an open fire. Cabrito is roast kid goat, a specialty of the city of Monterrey and its state of Nuevo Leon. Flour tortillas were created when the Spanish brought wheat to the New World; however, they are considered a bread staple in the northern states only. In the valleys of the eastern states farmers raise peaches, melons, nuts, and more than thirty varieties of apples. Queso Chihuahua or Chihuahua cheese is a soft white cow’s milk cheese available in braids, balls or rounds. The cheese is named after its place of origin and is also called queso menonita after the Mennonite communities that first produced it. In the 1920s the Mexican government wanted to settle the barren northern areas of the country with industrious farmers. At the invitation of the then-president, 20,000 Mennonites left Canada and settled in the state of Chihuahua where the community still flourishes.

CENTRAL MEXICO

The Distrito Federal, or Mexico City as it is called in English, is the Mexican capital in every sense of the word. With over 20 million people, it is not only many times larger than any other city in Mexico, but is also the second most populous city in the world, just behind Tokyo. There has been a capital here since before the arrival of the Spanish, although then it was the Aztec capital of Tenoctitlan. Unfortunately, almost all this old city was destroyed by the Spanish in their zeal to convert the Indians to Christianity. One impressive remain, however, still survives. El Templo Mayor is what’s left of the Great Temple of the Aztecs. The ruin

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sits off the northeast corner of the Zocalo, the city’s massive main square. In Mexico City, there is a full range of national cuisine. Because it is the capital, cooking from every region is available here. ´ The state of Michoac´an derives its name from the Nahuatl terms michin (fish), hua (those who have), and can (place), which roughly translates into “place of the fisherman.” Today there are national fishing tournaments and annual international sport fishing competitions focusing upon catching sailfish, marlin, and mahi-mahi. This state, along with the states of Morelas, Puebla, Queretaro, and Tlaxcala, are known as “the Central Breadbasket,” and are one of Mexico’s most important agricultural regions. Sugarcane fields, rice fields, coffee plantations, and macadamia trees are cultivated. Michoaca is the largest producer of avocados in the country. The area also produces large quantities of corn, beans, chickpeas, and potatoes. Fruit crops such as mangoes, strawberries, papaya, bananas, lemons, and limes are grown as well. The food in this region is based heavily on corn. The early Indian tribes served it as a kind of porridge, called atoll. Corn kernels were also softened in water and lime and then ground into a fine meal known as masa. The masa is then shaped into flat, round cakes called tortillas, which are cooked on a comal, or griddle. Specialties include corundas, a triangular puffy tamale made with white corn and unfilled. Huitacoche, a small, dark fungus that grows on a cornstalk, is considered a particular delicacy. One of the other important crops is agave (also known as maguey), used to produce syrup, vinegar, and pulque, an alcoholic beverage. Pulque was the historical predecessor of mescal and tequila, which wielded a heavy sociological influence during both pre-Hispanic and Colonial periods of Mexican history. There are more than 400 species of agave native to North America and Mexico. It was one of the most sacred and important plants in ancient Mexico and had a privileged place in mythology, religious rituals, and the economy. Pulque is still made and drunk in limited quantities in parts of Mexico today. However, because it cannot easily be stored or preserved, it is not well known outside the country. Mezcal (or mescal) is the name given to a double-distilled spirit that comes from the maguey plant. Tequila is made exclusively from the agave azul that grows in semiarid soils and takes from eight to twelve years to mature. The state of Puebla has been considered the gastronomic capital of Mexico. Its location between the coastal city of Veracruz and Mexico City gives it ample access to fresh seafood. The state produces fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, and raises some of the best beef and pork in the world. It cultivates cinnamon and nuts, as well as different types of hot peppers. Mole (the word means stew, or “concoctions”) is a dish regarded with national pride and a culinary touchstone of Mexican cooking. It is a rich dark sauce with chocolate, chiles, spices, herbs, groundnuts, seeds, and a variety of other ingredients. Every Mexican household has its version of a mole, most of which are named for the color given by the variety of chiles used. Without a doubt the most famous type of mole is mole poblano (made from any fresh or dried chiles from the poblano pepper family). Other commonly prepared moles include mole verde (uses green chiles), mole rojo (uses red chiles) and mole pipian (uses pumpkin seeds).

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The cities in this region all have their own enchiladas, from the Enchiladas Potosinas of San Luis Potos´ı (cheese and onion, with red chile ground into the masa tortillas) to the Enchiladas Mineras (miners’ enchiladas) of Guanajuato (cheese or chicken filling topped with potatoes and carrots in a guajillo salsa). The zacahuil, a three-foot-long tamale that may weigh as much as 150 pounds, is perhaps the most famous food of the region. Stuffed with pork and a variety of ingredients including potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables, the zacahuil requires nearly all the leaves of a banana tree to wrap it.

SOUTHERN MEXICO AND THE GULF OF MEXICO

This region lies between two major bodies of water—the Gulf and Mexico and the Pacific Ocean—and includes the states of Veracruz, Chiapas, and Tabasco. Veracruz is located on the eastern shore of Mexico known as the Gulf Lowlands as it stretches along the Gulf Coast. Veracruz is the busiest port in Mexico and home to one of the most fertile fishing banks in the world. This is where the European conquest started and where the Spanish first settled, so there are significant Mediterranean influences. Red Snapper Veracruz is considered representative of the area. Traditionally, the whole fish is covered in a sauce of tomatoes, ˜ onions, capers, Spanish olives, olive oil, and pickled jalapenos. Veracruz is one of the few places in Mexico where people cook with olive oil, and ingredients like green olives and capers and raisins have been incorporated into the cuisine. In the city of Pampantla, vanilla pods are harvested from an orchid-type plant called tlixochitl. During the first years after the Spanish arrived, diseases brought by the Europeans and unknown to the indigenous people decimated the population. Sugarcane production made heavy demands on labor, and African slaves were brought to work in the plantations. These slaves were some of the many thousands to bring their culinary influence with them. The peanut, an important ingredient in West African cooking, was added to meat, fish, and vegetable dishes and ground with spices as part of a paste-like condiment. Plantains, yucca, and sweet potatoes, all important elements of West African cooking, also became part of this region’s cuisine. More than half of Mexico’s coffee beans are grown in Chiapas, and this state is one of the largest producers of cacao, used to make chocolate. The ancient Maya were the first to cultivate the cacao tree, native to the Central American rainforest. They found that by first fermenting the pulpy seeds, then drying, roasting, and crushing them, they could make a potent and delicious drink that they called xocoatl or chocoatl. When the Aztecs conquered the Maya in Central America, they demanded cacao seeds as tribute, and in their empire the seeds became a kind of currency. The Aztecs, like the Maya before them, used the chocoatl in religious ceremonies and considered the seeds a gift from the gods. Here the tamales are made of fresh corn and pork wrapped in the large leaf of the hoja santa herb. When heated, the leaves produce a sweet, musky anise steam that flavors the tamale.

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T H E Y U C ATA N P E N I N S U L A

This region comprises the states of Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Rol. The Yucatan was once an isolated region of Mexico due to the mountainous terrain surrounding it. The Mayan civilization originated in the Yucatan near 2500 B.C. The Toltec culture arrived in A.D. 987, followed by the Spanish in the 1500s. Game meats such as venison and wild turkey, and vegetables like squash, cucumbers, chiles, and tomatoes are from the Mayans. Black beans, rather than pinto beans or kidney beans, are used in this area. Cooking methods like the pib, a hand-dug pit lined with stones and coals in which meats wrapped in banana leaves are cooked, are typical of Mayan cooking. The Spanish introduced pork, beef, and chicken. The Mayans had never fried foods before, but with the pig came lard, and with lard came frying. This produced one of the most significant changes in Mexican cooking. Seville oranges came from Spain and are a key ingredient in this region’s cuisine along with herbs and spices such as garlic, oregano, cinnamon, and cumin. Northern Europeans have a legacy in this region as well, especially the Dutch. Holland was an active trading partner in the nineteenth century and Edam cheese continues to be a regional staple. Ground spice pastes used for marinades are called recado. The red version (rojo) contains annatto, Mexican oregano, cumin, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, garlic, and salt. The annatto seeds dye the mixture red, which gives the meat or vegetables cooked with it a distinctive red hue. There are hundreds of variations and each recado is for a different dish. T H E PA C I F I C C O A S T

Many of the traditions considered characteristically “Mexican” were created in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco. It is the country’s second-largest city and has large mountain ranges, volcanoes, valleys, and plateaus. Guadalajara is the origin for traditions such as mariachi music, the Mexican hat dance, broad-brimmed sombrero hats, the Mexican rodeo, and tequila. The most important crops in this region include peanuts, sugarcane, and agave (for the production of tequila). In the mountainous regions ranch cooking dominates. Pozole, Mexico’s pork and hominy stew, originated here, as did birria, mutton or goat prepared in an adobo sauce and served in a rich tomato and meat broth. The state of Oaxaca is one of the most mountainous states in Mexico. Most of the people today are farmers and the most common crops are mangoes and coffee. A festival every December celebrates the radish, which was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish in the late 1500s. Specially grown radishes, some reaching over seven pounds, are carved into works of art. Sometimes called the “land of seven moles,” Oaxaca is best known for its seven major varieties of mole. From the most elaborate to the simplest, the seven types are mole negro (black mole, the one that uses cocoa), mole amarillo (yellow), mole coloradito (little red), mole almendrado (with almonds), mole chichilo (a local name without translation), mole verde (green), and mole colorado (red). In the way of wine tasting, mole tasting is also practiced in several regions of Mexico.

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Chocolate con leche, or more commonly chocolate con agua (hot chocolate prepared with milk or with water) is one of the most famous products of Oaxaca. The drink is prepared with fresh paste or tablets of cocoa, which in some stores are custom made with a mix of fresh cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon. The paste or tablets are dissolved in either water or milk. The hot liquid is mixed with a special wooden shaker (molinillo), which has loose rings that help produce foam. In many places it is served inside a large bowl accompanied with traditional bread made with egg and anise (pan de huevo). The states of Colima, Nayarit, and Sinoloa border the Pacific Ocean. Sinaloa is one of Mexico’s largest agricultural states, and also has one of the largest fishing fleets. The coast provides deep-sea fish such as marlin, swordfish, tuna, and sea bass as well as shallowwater fish and shellfish. All three states are important for their coconut, coffee, and banana plantations and orchards of avocado, limes, mango, mamey, and tamarind. Nayarit is famous for its chile sauce, called Salsa Huichol. This sauce is made from a variety of chiles, spices, vinegar, and salt and is used like American Tabasco.

THE BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA

This territory is divided into two states, Baja California and Baja California Sur. In Baja California, Tijuana is one of the most visited border cities in the world. The fertile valleys of Guadalupe, San Antonio, Santo Tomas, and San Vicente make up part of Mexico’s famous wine-producing region. The state also hosts many food festivals throughout the year, including the Paella and Wine Fair, the Seafood and Fish Festival, the Tequila Festival, and the Caesar Salad Festival (the caesar salad was created in this state). The food in this region tends to be influenced by the north with the use of flour tortillas, burritos, tacos, red meat, and machaca (the Mexican equivalent of beef jerky). Baja California Sur only became a state in 1974, when tourist resorts such as Cabo San Lucas and San Jose´ del Cabo were developed. In the coastal waters off Baja California and Baja California Sur the seafood harvested includes sole, tuna, sardines, mackerel, clams, shrimp, and lobster.

Glossary Achiote Small, hard red seeds of the annatto tree, known as achiote, which are used to give

color and flavor. Achiote seeds are widely available in Caribbean and Latin groceries. The seeds should have a healthy, earthy-red color; avoid seeds that have a dull brown color. The seeds alone have a slightly musky flavor, but they are most often combined with other herbs and seasoning to make achiote paste, which is popular in the Yucatan for marinades and

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sauces. In Mexico, the whole seeds are ground and used. Achiote should always be cooked in fat to remove any chalkiness. Avocado The avocado tree, a member of the laurel family, is native of the tropical Americas. The pear-shaped fruit is sometimes known as the alligator pear. The word “avocado” is derived from the Nahuatl word ahuacatl, meaning “testicle.” The medicinal properties of the avocado have been lauded since the Spanish conquest. Avocado Leaves Fresh or dried; used for their flavor in Mexican cooking, particularly in the

states of Morelos, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Avocado leaves should be stored dried in an airtight container away from light. Banana Leaves Available year-round, fresh or frozen, in most Latin American markets. Banana

leaves are popular in the southern and Gulf coast Mexican states for wrapping fish, tamales, pork, and chicken. Items wrapped with banana leaves stay moist during the cooking process, plus they pick up a fruity flavor. Beans Two beans are typically associated with Mexican cooking: black beans and larger mottled pink pintos. Small black beans, eaten extensively in Latin regions of the world including Mexico, are small and quite hard, requiring a longer cooking time than other dried beans such as the pinto. Beans and rice are normally served at every meal and are a complete protein. Cactus Paddles (Nopales) The prickly pear cactus is the most common type of cactus eaten in

Mexico. Nopal means cactus in Spanish and nopales is the term for “cactus stem.” Nopalitos refers to the pads once they are cut up and prepared for eating. Nopales are usually sold already cleaned (needles removed); look for bright green and firm pads. They are typically eaten grilled or boiled. Chayote The chayote, or vegetable pear, is a native of Mexico, and its name is derived from the Nahuatl word chayutli. Chayote was one of the principal foods of the Aztec and Mayan people. This pear-shaped squash has the mild taste of zucchini. The flesh is quite crisp, something like a water chestnut. Chayotes come in both smooth and prickly varieties (covered in spines). Cheeses Fresh Cheeses Queso Blanco A creamy white cheese made from skimmed cow’s milk. It is described as

being a cross between salty cottage cheese and mozzarella. It is traditionally coagulated with lemon juice, giving it a fresh, distinctive lemon flavor, although today it is often commercially made with rennet. Queso Fresco A pale cream-colored, moist, crumbly, soft cheese made in round cakes of different sizes. It has a slight acidity but with a creamy flavor. It is sometimes called queso

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de metate because the curds are pressed out on the metate (grinding stone) until compact enough to be packed into the small wooden hoops that give them shape. It is usually made with a combination of cow’s milk and goat’s milk. Panela The most popular fresh cheese in Mexico, also called queso de canasta because it

carries the imprint of the basket in which it is molded. It is a white, spongy, salty, semi-soft cheese mild in flavor. It absorbs other flavors easily. ´ A loose, ricotta-like cheese used to fill enchiladas and to make cheese spreads. It Requeson

is typically sold in the markets wrapped in fresh corn husks. Reques´on has a very mild and semisweet flavor. Its color is white and its texture is soft, moist, and grainy. Soft Cheeses Oaxaca Also referred to as Asadero or Queso Oaxaca cheese. It is a semi-soft, white, string-

type cheese. It is stretched, kneaded, then formed into a ball shape, which is plunged in brine for several minutes. The flavor ranges from mild to sweet and buttery. Semi-Soft Cheeses Asadero The literal translation of this cheese’s name is “broiler” or “roaster”; the cheese

itself is made by the same method as the braided Oaxaca cheese. The cheese melts easily when heated and strings appropriately. Chihuahua Also called queso menonita, after the Mennonite communities of northern Mexico

that first produced it. This is a mild, spongy, pale-yellow cheese. Unlike most Mexican cheeses, it is pale yellow rather than white, and can vary in taste from mild to a nearly cheddar-like sharpness. ˜ chile in it. ˜ A smooth, soft white cow’s milk cheese with bits of jalapeno Queso Jalapeno Queso Quesadilla This cheese is smooth, soft, mild, and white. It melts easily to make

dishes rich and creamy. Semi-Firm Cheeses Queso Criollo This pale yellow cheese is a specialty of the region around Taxco, Guerrero, and is similar to Munster. Edam Although not considered a Mexican cheese, edam has become an intrinsic part of Yucatan regional cooking. Manchego This cheese has a black, gray, or buff-colored rind with a crosshatch pattern.

The interior ranges from stark white to yellowish, depending on age. It has a number of holes and a mild, slightly briny, nutty flavor.

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Firm Cheeses ˜ Anejo An aged cheese, white and crumbly, often very dry and salty, rather resembling a

dry feta. This cheese is not as strongly flavored as cotija, but can be easily shredded or grated. Cotija This is a sharp, crumbly goat cheese. This cheese is strongly flavored, firm and

perfect for grating. It was originally made with goat’s milk but today cow’s milk is preferred. ´ Crispy fried pig skin used in salads, fillings, and as a snack. Chicharron

˜ en escabeche, which Chiles, Canned Many Mexican recipes call for chiles serranos or jalapenos means that they are canned in a souse, or pickled. Traditionally this includes vinegar, oil, herbs, garlic, onion, and slices of carrot. Canned chiles chipotles en vinagre or adobo are also widely used. Chiles The most prominent feature of Mexican cooking is the emphasis it places on chiles, with more than seventy varieties. Dried Chiles

Each chile has its own characteristics, flavor, and quality; you should not interchange chiles within a recipe unless it is indicated in the recipe. Ancho Chile A ripened and dried chile poblano, one of the most commonly used throughout Mexico. Chile Ancho has a deep, reddish-brown color—brick red when soaked in water—and a wrinkled, fairly shiny skin. It is triangular in shape, and measures about 3 inches at its widest point and 5 inches in length. The ancho has a pleasant, sweet flavor, similar to a bell pepper. It may be stuffed; however, it is mostly soaked and ground for cooked sauces. It rates between 1,000 and 2,000 Scoville units on the heat index. ´ Arbol Chile The name means “tree chile.” It is long and skinny, 2 12 by

1 2

inches on average, and has a brilliant red, thin, smooth, shiny skin. This chile has a vicious bite, and should be treated with caution. It has a tannic, smoky, and grassy flavor, and a searing, acidic heat on the tip of the tongue. It rates between 15,000 and 30,000 Scoville units on the heat index.

Cascabel Chile Small and round, it is so named because it sounds like a rattle when it is shaken (cascabel means “jingle bells” in Spanish). It has a smooth, brownish-red skin, and usually measures 1 inch in diameter. Cascabel adds a deep smoky, nutty flavor to dishes. It is typically toasted and ground for sauce. The cascabel rates between 1,500 and 2,500 Scoville units on the heat index.

˜ ripened, dried, and then smoked. Its light brown, Chipotle Chile This is chile jalapeno, wrinkled skin smells distinctly of smoke and its name means “smoked chile.” It measures

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Where’s the Chile’s Heat? Chiles get their “heat”—or “pungency”—from a group of chemical compounds called capsaicinoids, the best known of which is capsaicin. According to the Chile Pepper Institute, a research and education center housed at New Mexico State University, capsaicin is produced in the whitish pith (also called membranes or ribs), not by the seeds. H E AT S C A L E

The pungency of chile peppers is measured in multiples of 100 units. It ranges from the sweet bell peppers at zero Scoville units to the habanero at 300,000-plus Scoville units! One part of chile “heat” per 1,000,000 drops of water is rated at only 1.5 Scoville Units. The substance that makes a chile so hot is called capsaicin. Pure capsaicin rates between 15,000,000 and 16,000,000 Scoville units! Today a more scientific and accurate method called liquid chromatography is used to determine capsaicin levels. G E N E R A L N OT E S

r Smaller peppers are usually hotter than larger peppers. r Peppers often become hotter as they ripen, and hotter still when they’re dried. Dried peppers tend to have a richer, more concentrated flavor.

r The majority of the chile’s heat is concentrated in the seeds and ribs. To tone down the heat of a pepper, remove some or all of the seeds and the white ribs.

r When working with peppers, wear rubber gloves or coat your hands with vegetable oil. Wash your hands carefully afterward.

r Chiles don’t freeze well. TIPS FOR WORKING WITH FRESH CHILES

r It is advisable to wear gloves when handling fresh or dried chiles. r Never bring your hands near your eyes during or after working with fresh chiles. r Keep some vinegar or bleach on hand to neutralize the capsaicin, if it comes in contact with your skin.

r Be very careful of the hotter chiles like the habanero. It has been known to create firstdegree burns.

r Gently wash your hands and arms after working with the chiles. The chile oils will need soap to break them up. Scrub fingertips, especially under the nails, and then soak them for a few minutes in strongly salted water, if necessary.

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approximately 2 to 4 inches in length and about an inch wide. As much as one-fifth of ˜ crop is processed into chipotles. It rates between 5,000 and 8,000 the Mexican jalapeno Scoville units on the heat index. Guajillo Chile A long, slender, pointed chile whose brownish-red skin is smooth, shiny,

and tough, the guajillo averages 4 12 inches in length and 1 14 inches in width. Sweet and mild, this chile is a base for rich chile con carne and classic Tex-Mex cuisine. The guajillo is used in table and cooked sauces. The skin is extra tough, so it needs longer time for cooking. It rates between 2,000 and 4,500 Scoville units on the heat index. ˜ pepper. Blackish red in color, Mora Chile This is a smoked and dried large red jalapeno it has a wrinkled, tough skin, with a round tip. A typical size is 2 inches long and 43 inch wide. Like the chipotle, it has a smoky flavor and is very picante (hot and spicy). It rates between 5,000 and 8,000 Scoville units on the heat index. Morita Chile A small, mulberry-red chile, triangular in shape and about 1 inch long and

1 2

˜ pepper inch wide, with a slightly smoky flavor. This smoked and dried small red jalapeno is very hot and spicy. It rates between 5,500 and 8,500 Scoville units on the heat index. Mulato Chile This very popular chile looks like the ancho, only slightly larger with tougher

and smoother skin and a brownish black hue. It’s fairly mild and has an earthy flavor; when soaked in water it has a sweetish, almost chocolaty flavor. This chile is normally used soaked and ground in cooked sauces, the classic example being mole poblano. It rates between 900 and 1,500 Scoville units on the heat index. Pasilla Chile This is a long, slender chile with a rounded tip. The skin is wrinkled with a

blackish tone. It is a standard ingredient in mole sauces. The average size is 6 inches long and 43 to 1 inch wide. The seeds and veins clustered at the top by the stem are very hot; however, the flesh is generally mild and has a slight “tobaccoish” flavor. It is toasted and ground for table sauces and soaked and ground for cooked sauces. It rates between 1,000 and 1,500 Scoville units on the heat index. Chile de la Tierra, Colorado Chile This is the chile verde, or Anaheim, ripened and dried. When dried it has a tough, dark, reddish brown matte skin. It is very mild and does not have much flavor. It rates between 700 and 1,000 Scoville units on the heat index.

Fresh Chiles ¨ Guero Chile A pale yellow chile that varies in size, averaging 4 to 5 inches long and 1 inch

wide. It is pointed at the end, with a smooth, small-ridged, undulated surface. This chile can be very hot and has a delicious and distinctive flavor. It rates between 2,000 and 6,500 Scoville units on the heat index.

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Habanero Chile This chile is shaped like a small lantern, about 1 inch across as its widest part and a bit over 2 inches long. This extremely hot chile has a distinctive fruity flavor. It is a light green color and as it ripens it turns to one of various colors including red, orange, salmon, white, and chocolate, depending on the variety. It rates 200,000 to 300,000 Scoville units. ˜ Chile The most well known of Mexico’s chiles. It is a mid- to dark-green chile Jalapenos with a smooth surface and more often rounded at the tip than pointed. It averages 2 12 inches long and 34 inch at its widest part. It has a unique rich fresh flavor and is hot. ˜ like serranos, are used in various ways: fresh in a relish, cut and cooked, boiled Jalapenos, and blended. It rates between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville units on the heat index. Poblano Chile The poblano can vary in shape, color, size, and flavor, depending on where

it was grown, the time of year, and so forth. Typically, they are mild, large, heart-shaped peppers with very thick walls, 5 inches long and about 3 inches wide at the top, tapering to the apex. They are great for stuffing. They can be fairly mild to hot. With minor exceptions they are always charred and peeled. It rates between 1,200 and 2,500 Scoville units on the heat index. Serrano Chile A small, smooth, mid-green chile, mostly rounded but sometimes pointed

at the end. It averages 1 12 inch long and about 12 inch wide. The flesh has a strong, fresh flavor, and the seeds and veins are very hot and spicy. It has thin walls, so it doesn’t need to be charred, steamed, and peeled before using. It rates between 8,000 and 22,000 Scoville units on the heat index. Chile Verde, Anaheim Chile A light green chile with a rounded tip, averaging 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Anaheim chiles range from mild to hot. They have a tough skin that is typically charred and peeled before being used. When mature and red, an Anaheim is called a chile colorado. It rates between 1,000 and 2,000 Scoville units on the heat index. Chorizos Brought to Mexico by Spanish explorers, this pork sausage is made all over Mexico,

and each region has its own balance of spices, chiles, and herbs. Many cooks believe that lean pork is the important factor when making chorizos. The pork for Mexican chorizos is chopped (not ground), seasoned, and stuffed into casings made from pigs’ small intestine. Cilantro The fresh green leaves and tender stems of coriander, or Chinese parsley. The dried

seed is occasionally used, but the two are not interchangeable. There is no substitute for its crisp and pungent flavor. Thick stems should be discarded and only thin stems and leaves used. Cinnamon The light brown cinnamon bark originally from Ceylon is used extensively in

Mexican cooking. Mexican cinnamon has a softer and more delicate flavor, and flavors both savories and sweets.

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Corn Husks The dried outer sheath that surrounds each ear of corn. They are the traditional

wrappers for tamales, but they can be used to wrap other foods for steaming or grilling. In addition to protecting foods as they cook, they also impart a mild corn essence. Cornhusks are used fresh as well as dried. Cumin The flavor of cumin plays a major role in Mexican cuisine. Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. The cumin plant grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and is harvested by hand. Cumin is a key component in both chile powder and curry powder. Always develop the flavor by cooking it first in fat. Epazote A weed that grows all over North America. It is a strong-tasting herb; the flavor is dominant and should be used alone, not in combination with other herbs. It is quite pungent and some say it smells like gasoline or kerosene. It is most commonly used in black bean recipes to ward off some of the “negative” side affects of eating beans. Huitlacoche An exotic fungus that grows naturally on ears of corn. The kernels are swollen and

deformed, black and juicy inside and covered with a crisp, slivery-gray skin. The texture and inky flavor is unique. The earthy and somewhat smoky fungus is used to flavor quesadillas, tamales, soups, and other specialty dishes. Jicama Like potatoes, jicama grows underground as a tuber. It is a round brown-skinned vegetable that yields crisp white flesh that looks like an apple or raw potato. Raw jicama is sweet and juicy. Always remove the fibrous brown skin. Cooked lightly it becomes milder but retains its crispness, like a water chestnut. Jicama is primarily a texture food since its flavor is rather bland. Lime Mexican cooks use the yellow-skinned key lime, because it tastes sweeter than other

limes. If key limes are unavailable, use half lemon juice and half lime juice. Mexican cuisine uses limes for marinating fish and chicken, in salsas, soups, and best of all balancing margaritas. Masa, Masa Harina Masa means “dough” in Spanish, but in Mexico it is generally understood

as “corn dough.” It is made by boiling corn kernels in powdered lime (calcium oxide), washing them, and then grinding; water is mixed in to make dough. Smoother, soft masa is required for tortillas, and coarser, stiff masa is used for tamales. Masa harina is factory-made powdered masa. It can be used to make anything that calls for masa. Ordinary yellow cornmeal for making cornbread is not a substitute. Oregano Mexican oregano has a more assertive flavor than the Mediterranean oregano. Thir-

teen varieties of oregano grow throughout Mexico. However, Mexican cooks normally use dried oregano. Pepitas or Pumpkin Seeds These seeds have been used in Mexican cuisine since pre-Columbian

times. Toasted in their hulls or hulled but unroasted and unsalted, they are used in moles, sauces, salads, and snack foods.

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Plantains Plantains are popular in Latin American, Asian, and African cuisines, and are prepared and eaten in a number of ways. Unlike their common sweet banana cousin, plantains have to be cooked. They are starchy, only slightly sweet, and are no more appealing to eat raw than a potato. They can be pink, green, red, blackish-brown, and yellow with black spots. In Mexican cooking they must be very ripe, almost juicy, and sweet. Sesame Seeds Widely used as a topping for breads and pastries or as a thickener for sauces. Seville or Sour Oranges Small, brilliantly orange, thin-skinned oranges. There is no real substitute for the sharp, fragrant juice. Tamarind Seeds and Paste Widely grown in Mexico since the sixteenth century, this is a 3- to

8-inch-long, brown, irregularly curved pod, which produces a juicy brown to reddish brown acidulous pulp. When fully ripe, the shells are brittle and easily broken. The pulp dehydrates to a sticky paste enclosed by a few coarse stands of fiber. The pods may contain from one to twelve large, flat, glossy brown seeds embedded in the brown, edible pulp. The pulp has a pleasing sweet-sour flavor and is high in both acid and sugar. Tomatillos (Tomates Verdes, Mexican Green Tomatoes) The tomatillo is of Mexican origin; how-

ever, it now grows everywhere in the Western Hemisphere. It is a pale green fruit enclosed in a green, papery husk that ripens to yellow. It is not an ordinary unripe tomato. In central Mexico it is called tomate verde, and in the northeast fresadilla; elsewhere it is tomatillo, tomate de cascara, or tomate de bolsa. Generally used when they are green rather than yellow, tomatillos, vary in acidity and have a very tart flavor. When working with tomatillos always remove the husks and wash the fruit. Tomatoes Tomatoes are indigenous to Mexico and South America, and are grown year round.

The Italian plum tomato, called jitomato guaje (“gourd” tomato) or guajillo, like the chile, is also grown extensively. However, the skin of the plum tomato is much tougher than an ordinary tomato. Tortillas Indispensable in Mexican cuisine, made with either corn or wheat flour. Available

both fresh and frozen.

K I T C H E N TO O L S

Cazuela An earthenware casserole used to make moles. Its great advantage is that it heats evenly, eliminating that nemesis of all cooks, the dreaded “hot spot.” Coffee/Spice Grinder A necessity for many Mexican dishes that call for ground achiote, pumpkin

or sesame seeds, or spices. Comal A round plate, usually made of unglazed earthenware, cast iron, or tin, about

1 2

inch thick. It is a Mexican griddle used for cooking tortillas, toasting chiles, garlic, and the like.

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Molcajete y Tejolote This mortar and pestle combination, made of basalt, is used for grinding.

The tejolote is a heavy, oval shaped rock used to grind spices, onions, peppers, and tomatoes into thick purees in a molcajete. Molinillo Found in every Mexican kitchen, this wooden implement will, when twirled between

the palms of both hands, give hot chocolate a spectacular collar of froth. Tortilla Press An absolute must if you plan to make your own tortillas, the wooden variety of tortilla presses have largely been replaced by the cast-iron variety. There is also an aluminum model that is decidedly less popular.

COOKING METHODS

Charring, Peeling, and Cleaning Fresh Chiles and Bell Peppers In Mexican peasant cooking this is done by charring peppers right on the charcoal or wood fire, which also serves to enhance the flavor. They can also be put directly over a gas flame, grill, or on a tray under the broiler. Char the pepper, turning it frequently, until the skin is blackened. The entire chile will not be completely black, but it should be charred about 60 percent. They will char evenly and in all the little irregular surfaces if they are first lightly coated with oil. After charring, place the pepper immediately into a plastic bag to “sweat” for about 15 minutes. Remove from the bag and when cool enough to work with, remove the blackened skin. You can use your hands, continually dipping them in water to remove the blackened bits, or use a paper towel. Use a knife to remove any skin that sticks. Do not peel roasted peppers under running water because this will wash away juices and flavor. Guisar (Braising or Stewing) This is the most common way of cooking meat and poultry (with

the possible exception of northern Mexico, where much of it is grilled). The meat, poultry, and in some cases vegetables are prepared separately from the sauce in the making of mole, pipian, and other complex dishes. A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is a good substitute for a cazuela when doing this long, slow type of cooking. Moler (Grinding) This is traditionally done in a molcajete but today a blender is more frequently

used. The molcajete allows more control over the final texture of a salsa; however, if the sauce is a smooth one, a blender does quite well. The process of grinding chiles, herbs, spices, and tomatoes in a molcajete is labor-intensive, and an alternative is to grind dry ingredients in a spice or coffee mill before combining them with other ingredients. Whether using a molcajete, blender, or food processor, garlic and salt should be ground together before adding the remaining ingredients. Poner a Sudar (Sweating) This refers to the method used for removing the skins from fresh

chiles, especially poblanos, which are usually cooked without skins, either for stuffing or for making rajas, strips of chiles that are used in a great number of dishes.

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´ Sofreir (Soft-Frying/Sauteing) Not much deep-frying is done in Mexican cooking, with the

´ exception of some street snacks. A far more common technique is “soft-frying” or sauteing, which is done to soften ingredients and intensify their flavor. Dried chiles, for example, are sometimes soft-fried in combination with dry-roasting. Tortillas usually need to be soft-fried before being covered with sauce, as with enchiladas. Tostar/Asar Toasting or dry-roasting. This is commonly done on the comal, but any well-

seasoned griddle or dry skillet will work. It is a quick process, done over high heat and involving no liquid or oil. Toasting ingredients adds a distinctive flavor to the dish in which they are cooked.

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Menus and Recipes from Mexico M E N U

O N E

Sopa de Lima con Pollo y Elote: Chicken, Corn, and Lime Soup Arroz Blanco con Verduras: White Rice with Vegetables Mole Verde con Hierbas: Pork Herbed Green Mole Corn Tortillas Flan de Naranja: Orange Flan M E N U

T W O

Sopa de Ajo: Garlic Soup Nopales en Chipotle Adobado: Nopales in Chipotle Sauce Pavo con Salsa de Achiote a la Yucataneca: Yucat´an-Style Steamed Turkey in Achiote Sauce Pickled Red Onions Frijoles Refritos: Well-Fried Beans Arroz Blanco: White Rice Salsa de Jitomate Cocida: Cooked Tomato Sauce Churros Mexican Hot Chocolate Pico de Gallo M E N U

T H R E E

Guacamole: Avocado Dip Sopa de Fideos Aguada: Noodles in Tomato Broth Chiles en Nogada: Chiles in Walnut Sauce Frijoles de Olla: “Pot” Beans Corn Tortillas Arroz con Leche: Mexican Rice Pudding O T H E R

R E C I P E S

Mole Negro Oaxaqueno: ˜ Oaxacan Black Mole Pozole Blanco: White Pozole Arroz a` la Mexicana: Mexican Rice Pescado a` la Veracruzana: Fish Veracruz Style Jicama Salad

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Sopa de Lima con Pollo y Elote Chicken, Corn, and Lime Soup

SERVES 4–6

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

White onion,

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

3 cups

18 ounces, 504 ml

Chicken stock

1 12 cups

9 ounces, 252 g

Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

1 12

8 ounces, 224 g

Corn kernels

cups

2

˜ chiles, seeded, minced Jalapeno

1 teaspoon

Cumin, ground

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Chicken thigh meat, fat trimmed, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons

8g

Cilantro, chopped

1 12

3 4

Fresh lime juice

tablespoons

ounce, 21 ml

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2

Heat oil over medium heat, add onion and garlic, cook 8–10 minutes or until very soft.

3 4 5

Add chicken and simmer about 3 minutes to cook meat.

Add chicken stock, tomatoes, corn, chiles, and cumin, bring to boil, reduce to simmer, and cook 5–8 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Correct seasoning.

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RECIPES

Arroz Blanco con Verduras White Rice with Vegetables Chef Tip

SERVES 4

´ before steaming, For all Mexican rice dishes, the grains are soaked, drained, and sauteed

then cooked with onion and garlic, as one would make a pilaf. This method produces fluffy, separate grains and a nutty, full flavor. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

7 ounces, 198 g

Long-grain, unconverted white rice

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Corn oil

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

White onion,

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onions and tops, finely chopped

2 21 ounces, 70 g

White mushrooms,

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

1 cup 1

1 4

Serrano chile, seeds and veins removed, minced

1 21

12 ounces, 353 ml

Chicken stock

2 ounces, 56 g

Corn kernels

1 cup

4 ounces, 113 g

Queso fresco, grated

2 tablespoons

1 4

1 2

inch (.6 cm) slices

cups

cup

ounce, 7 g

To taste

Cilantro, chopped Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Cover the rice with hot water and let stand for 20 minutes. Drain and rinse well under cold water. Let drain for 10 minutes.

2 3 4

Heat the oil until it smokes and add the rice; stir until all the grains are well coated.

5

Add chicken stock and corn; cook uncovered over medium heat—do not stir again—until the liquid has been absorbed and small air holes appear in the rice.

6 7

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Cook until the rice just begins to take on a color. Add the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and chile; cook over high heat for 10 minutes, until white onion and garlic are translucent, stirring constantly.

Add the cheese and cilantro, and stir into the rice with a fork.

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MEXICO

Mole Verde con Hierbas Pork Herbed Green Mole

SERVES 4

Green mole is most commonly found in the states of Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Oaxaca, where it is one of los siete moles—the seven famous moles, each with a distinctive color, flavor, and aroma. Unlike the other moles, which nearly always contain nuts and seeds, this recipe gets its characteristic flavor and bright green color from fresh herbs. If you prefer chicken, it may be substituted for pork in this recipe AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 12 pounds

24 ounces, 672 g

Pork stew meat, 1 12 inch (3.8 cm) cube

1 2

1g

Black peppercorns, bruised

4 ounces, 112 g

White onion, cut 1 12 inch (3.8 cm) cube

teaspoon

1 cup 10

Garlic cloves, peeled and split lengthwise

8

Cloves, whole, or

1 teaspoon

2g

1 4

teaspoon ground

Cumin seeds ˜ chiles, seeds removed Jalapeno

2 1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Tomatillos, husks removed

2

Thyme sprigs, fresh

2

Marjoram sprigs, fresh

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Masa, either fresh or reconstituted by mixing 6 tablespoons masa harina to a smooth paste with 1 cup water

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Italian parsley, chopped

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Cilantro leaves, chopped

cup

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Epazote, fresh or

cup

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Hoja santa leaves, fresh, or 3 dried leaves (Also called hierba santa or root beer plant, it has a distinctive anise flavor that’s hard to duplicate.)

1 4 1 4

2 cups To taste

14 ounces, 392 g

1 8

cup dried, crumbled

White beans, cooked Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Combine pork stew meat, peppercorns, 12 cup white onions, and 5 garlic cloves, cover by 1 inch with cold water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to simmer. Cook until just tender, 30–45 minutes. Remove meat and strain stock, reserve.

2 3

Grind the cloves and cumin seeds with a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. ˜ tomatillos, thyme, marjoram, remaining In a blender combine ground spices, jalapeno, garlic cloves and onions and 12 cup stock from the cooked pork. Blend until smooth.

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4 5 6

Combine reserved pork stock and tomatillo mixture; simmer, uncovered, 3 minutes.

7

Combine parsley, cilantro, epazote, and hoja santa in a blender or food processor. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of liquid; process to a smooth puree.

8

Add beans, cooked pork, and pureed herbs to the masa-thickened sauce and let return to a simmer. Correct seasoning and serve.

Whisk masa into pork and tomatillo liquid; whisking constantly, return to simmer. Cook, uncovered, over low heat 10 minutes, whisking occasionally. If lumps form, pass through a medium-mesh sieve and return to heat. Mixture should thicken to the consistency of whipping cream; if necessary, reduce to correct consistency or thin with more stock.

Mole Verde con Hierbas – Pork Herbed Green Mole, Arroz Blanco con Verduras – White Rice with Vegetables

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Corn Tortillas

YIELD: 1 POUND

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

10 ounces, 280 grams

Prepared masa harina

1 13 cups

21 ounces, 588 ml

Warm water, approximately

1 teaspoon

Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Dissolve the salt in the warm water. To the masa harina, add the water all at once (this keeps lumps from forming) and mix quickly, just until the ingredients are combined.

2

Let rest 5 minutes. Masa will dry out quickly, so keep covered with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.

3 4

Pinch off golf-ball-sized pieces and roll into balls. Flatten the balls and roll out to 18 inch (.3 cm) thick or use a tortilla press. If using a tortilla press, line both sides with plastic.

5

Gently place the tortilla on a hot skillet or griddle. It should make a soft sizzling sound. Cook for 30–40 seconds or until the tortilla starts to bubble on top. Turn tortilla over and cook an additional 20–30 seconds.

6 7

Remove the tortilla from pan and keep warm. To reheat, bake covered in a 350◦ F (176◦ C) oven for 10–12 minutes.

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RECIPES

Flan de Naranja

Orange Flan

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

3 12 ounces, 98 g

Sugar, granulated

1 2

Water

cup

1 tablespoon 1 4

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon

Lemon juice

Pinch 1 2 1 4

Cayenne pepper

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Blanched almonds

cup

1 34

Sugar

ounces, 50 g

Finely grated zest of 1 orange 4

Eggs

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Heavy cream

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Orange juice

PROCEDURE

1 2

Preheat oven to 350◦ F (176◦ C).

3

Pour caramel into 4 individual custard cups; tip the molds side to side until there is an even coating of caramel over the bottom and halfway up the sides. Set aside.

4 5 6 7 8

Grind the almonds in a food processor.

9

Set aside to cool before unmolding.

Make caramel by melting 12 cup sugar (3 12 ounces, 98 g), water, lemon juice (lemon juice keeps the mixture from hardening or crystallizing), and cayenne over low heat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, without stirring. Gently tilt the pan off the heat to distribute color evenly as sugar caramelizes. When sugar reaches a uniform golden brown (light amber) color, immediately remove from heat.

Add the remaining sugar, orange zest, and the eggs, process until smooth. Add cream and orange juice, process to mix. Let the froth subside before pouring into custard cup. Bake in a water bath, covered, until the flan is set. Test by inserting the blade of a knife into the center of the custard. If the blade comes out clean, cooking is done.

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MEXICO

Sopa de Ajo

Garlic Soup

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Leeks, white and light green parts, cleaned, thinly sliced

1 3

2 ounces, 56 g

cup

1

Garlic cloves, peeled, thinly sliced Chile morita or arbol, seeded and soaked in hot water until soft

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Roma tomatoes, roasted and peeled, rough chopped

3 cups

24 ounces, 672 ml

Chicken stock

3 2 tablespoons

Eggs, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon oil 6g

Parsley, chopped

To taste

Salt

4

2-inch round croutons

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 56 g

Panela or queso fresco cheese, crumbled

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Heat oil over medium high heat; add leeks and garlic and saute´ until soft but not brown.

6 7

Correct seasoning.

Puree the chile and tomatoes and add to the leek mixture. Cook over medium high heat until mixture is thick. Add chicken stock and bring to boil; return to simmer and cook 10–12 minutes. Add beaten eggs, stirring constantly in a circular motion. Add parsley and simmer until eggs are set. Serve with a crouton in each bowl and sprinkle with cheese.

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RECIPES

Nopales en Chipotle Adobado Nopales in Chipotle Sauce

SERVES 4

The mild flavor of nopales makes them ideal for combining with strong-flavored ingredients.

Chef Tip

Nopal means cactus in Spanish and nopales is the term for “cactus stem.” The term

nopalitos refers to the pads once they are cut and prepared for eating. Nopales can be eaten grilled or boiled. Overcooking may give them a slightly slimy texture. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Nopales paddles, cleaned and

1 21

672 g

Tomatillos, husked and roasted on a dry griddle or comal until soft

pounds

2

1 2

inch (1.27 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

2

Chipotles in adobo sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

ounce, 14 ml

Vegetable oil White onion, sliced very thin

To taste

Salt

2 cups

Arroz blanco

PROCEDURE

1

To prepare the nopales remove the thorns and the “eyes” with a vegetable peeler or small paring knife. Wash the pads well with cool water and peel or trim off any blemished or discolored areas.

2

Combine nopales with enough salted water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3 4 5 6

Combine tomatillos, garlic, and chipotles in a blender and blend until smooth. Heat oil and saute´ onions over low heat until transparent. Add puree and nopales, stir and cook over low heat 10–15 minutes. Season to taste. Serve hot with rice and warm tortillas

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MEXICO

Pavo con Salsa de Achiote a la Yucataneca Yucat´an-Style Steamed Turkey in Achiote Sauce

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

4 ounces, 112 g

Achiote paste (recipe follows)

3 cups

18 ounces, 504 ml

Seville or sour orange juice

1 4

2 ounces, 46 ml

Honey

1 tablespoon

1 4

Cumin seeds, toasted and ground

1 teaspoon

1g

Oregano, dried

1

47 ounces, 1.33 kg

Turkey breast, bone in, skin on

2 ounces, 46 g

Butter, softened, or lard

1 4

cup

cup

cup

ounce, 6 grams

3

Banana leaves or enough fresh corn husks to line the roasting pan and cover the turkey

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 ml

Vegetable oil

1 12

12 ounces, 336 ml

Beer

1 cup

8 ounces, 113 g

Pickled red onion, thinly sliced (recipe follows)

1

8 ounces, 224 g

Avocado, sliced

cups

8

Corn tortillas, 8 inches (20 cm), warmed Pico de Gallo (see p. 34) Salsa de Jitomate Cocida (see p. 32)

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine achiote paste, juice, honey, cumin, and oregano.

4

Line a pan with half the banana leaves or corn husks. Place the turkey on a rack on top of the banana leaves and cover with excess marinade.

5 6

Add beer to pan, cover turkey with remaining banana leaves or cornhusks.

Lift the turkey skin and rub softened butter over meat. Spread the achiote mixture evenly over turkey; let marinate at room temperature for 45 minutes or under refrigeration 3–4 hours.

Wrap pan with foil or use an airtight lid.

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7

Steam until turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165◦ F (74◦ C). Steaming may be done in a preheated 350◦ F (176◦ C) oven. Check liquid level and add more beer or water if necessary. (Some Mexican cooks place a coin at the bottom of the steamer; when the coin begins to rattle, they add more water.)

8

When cooked, remove from pan and let cool. Shred as for tacos, combining meat with any sauce left in steamer. Turkey can also be placed on a platter, whole or in pieces, with any remaining sauce poured over it.

9

Serve turkey with pickled onion, avocado, tortillas, salsa (Pico de Gallo) and Salsa de Jitomate Cocida (p. 32; cooked tomato sauce).

Achiote Paste AMOUNT

MAKES

MEASURE

1 4

CUP

INGREDIENT

4 tablespoons

Achiote seeds

15

Peppercorns

1 tablespoon

Oregano

1 tablespoon

Cumin seeds

2

Whole cloves

1 tablespoon

Coriander seeds

6

Garlic cloves

4 tablespoons

White wine vinegar

PROCEDURE

1

Grind all but the garlic and vinegar in a coffee grinder. Crush the garlic in a mortar; gradually add the vinegar. Add the ground spices to the crushed garlic and mix well.

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MEXICO

Pickled Red Onions

SERVES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Red onions,

1 tablespoon

18 g

Kosher salt

1 tablespoon

2g

Oregano

1 teaspoon

1g

Cumin seeds

1 14

10 ounces, 280 ml

Vinegar

cup

5–6 tablespoons

1 34

1 teaspoon

2g

ounces, 49 g

1 4

inch slices

Granulated sugar Black pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Separate the onion rings, toss with the salt until coated, and let stand 30 minutes. Rinse the onions under cold water, drain very well, and pat dry with paper towels. Combine well the oregano, cumin seeds, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper; pour over the rings in the bowl; toss to coat well. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Frijoles Refritos

Well-Fried Beans

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 tablespoons

1 21 ounce, 42 g

Pork lard or vegetable oil

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

White onion,

9 ounces, 252 g

Black, pink, or pinot beans, cooked, with cooking liquid

cup

2 cups To taste

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

In a heavy pan, heat the lard or oil over medium-high heat. Saute´ the onions until brown, 3–4 minutes. Increase heat to high and add half the beans and all the cooking liquid; mash well. Gradually add the remaining beans and mash to a coarse puree. Cook additional 10–12 minutes or until the beans begin to dry out and sizzle at the edges.

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RECIPES

Arroz Blanco

White Rice

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 12

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 ml

Vegetable oil

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Carrots,

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Onions, thinly sliced

Hot water to cover ounces, 184 g

1

Long-grain rice

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic clove, minced

2 cups

16 ounces, 470 ml

Chicken stock

2 tablespoons

1 2

Green peas, cooked

ounce, 14 g

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Soak rice in hot water for 20 minutes.

6

Add chicken stock and cook uncovered over medium heat—do not stir—until the liquid has been absorbed and small air holes appear.

7

Cover rice with a tight lid or aluminum foil, to prevent steam from escaping. Let set for 25 minutes.

8

Remove cover; stir in peas.

Drain and rinse well in cold water, let drain 10 minutes. Heat oil to smoke point, add rice and stir to cover well with oil. Cook, stirring, until rice is just turning color. Add carrots, onions, and garlic; cook until onions are translucent, stirring constantly. Allow about 10 minutes over high heat to color rice and cook vegetables.

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MEXICO

Salsa de Jitomate Cocida Cooked Tomato Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

1

Y I E L D : 1 12 C U P S

INGREDIENT

Poblano chile, charred, peeled, seeded, and cm) dice (see step 1)

1 4

inch (.6

8 ounces

224 g

Tomatoes, charred, seeded, and chopped (see step 1)

1 tablespoon

1 2

Vegetable oil

1 2

3 ounces, 84 g

cup

ounce, 14 ml

2

Red onion,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon

3g

Oregano, fresh, or

1 teaspoon

3g

Basil, fresh, or

1 2

4 ounces, 112 g

Tomato sauce

5g

Fresh lime juice

cup

1 teaspoon To taste

1 2

1 2

teaspoon dried

teaspoon dried

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Char poblano and tomatoes, turning frequently, until lightly charred on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes for chiles, 6 to 8 minutes for tomatoes (flesh should be soft).

2 3 4

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.

5

Add lime juice and correct seasoning.

Puree charred tomato and poblano. Combine all ingredients except lime juice and salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until slightly thickened and flavors are blended, about 5 minutes.

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RECIPES

Churros

SERVES 4

Churros are fried strips of dough typically served hot and sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar, or dipped in chocolate. While the churro is actually an import from Spain, the dessert became very popular in Mexico. It is customary to serve churros with Mexican hot chocolate (see p. 34) or Cafe de Olla. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 21 cups

6 ounces, 168 g

All-purpose flour

1 teaspoon

2g

Baking powder

1 41 cups

10 ounces, 280 ml

Water

1 4

1g

Salt

21 g

Brown sugar

teaspoon

1 21

tablespoons

1

Egg yolk Oil for deep frying

1

Lime, cut into wedges Powdered sugar for dusting

PROCEDURE

1 2

Sift the flour and baking powder together; set aside.

3

Remove from heat, add the flour and baking powder mixture, and beat continuously until smooth.

4

Beat in the egg yolk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Set the batter aside to cool. Have ready a churro maker or a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle, which will give the churros their traditional shape.

5

Heat to the oil to 375◦ F (190◦ C) or until a cube of dried bread floats and turns golden after 1 minute.

6

Spoon the batter into a churros maker or a piping bag. Pipe five or six 4-inch lengths of the mixture into the hot oil, using a knife to slice off each length as it emerges from the nozzle.

7 8

Fry for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown.

Bring water to a boil, add salt and brown sugar, stirring constantly, until both have dissolved.

Drain the churros on paper towels while cooking successive batches. Arrange on a plate with lime wedges, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.

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MEXICO

Mexican Hot Chocolate

SERVES 4

Mexican chocolate is a grainy chocolate disk flavored with sugar, cinnamon, almonds, and vanilla. It is used to prepare hot chocolate and mole sauces. For 1 ounce Mexican chocolate, substitute 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 drop almond extract. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 quart

32 ounces, 896 ml

Milk

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Mexican chocolate or dark bitter chocolate

2

Vanilla beans, split lengthwise

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Warm milk and chocolate. Scrape seeds from the vanilla bean and add the seeds and beans to milk. Stir with a molinillo or whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture begins to boil. Remove the vanilla beans. Remove from the heat and froth the chocolate with the molinillo or the whisk. Serve immediately in ample mugs.

Pico de Gallo AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 cup

4 ounces, 113 g

ounce, 0.015 l

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Olive oil Yellow onion,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1

Serrano pepper, minced

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 12

tablespoons

Cilantro, minced

1 cup

6 ounces, 170 g

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 0.015 l

To taste

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Fresh lime juice Salt and black pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, serrano pepper, garlic, and cilantro. Toss and remove from heat. Let cool.

2 3

Combine onion mixture with tomatoes and lime juice and correct seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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RECIPES

Guacamole

Avocado Dip

The word guacamole comes from the Nahuatl words for avocado (ahuacatl) and “mixture” or “concoction” (molli). It should be made in the molcajete, never in a blender or food processor. Guacamole can contain a seemingly infinite variety of ingredients; however, it is best when kept simple: avocados, chiles, onions, cilantro, and seasoning. Even tomatoes may cause problems if they are too watery. Guacamole is usually eaten in Mexico at the beginning of a meal with a pile of hot, freshly made tortillas, crisp pork skins (chicharron), or little pieces of crispy pork (carnitas). YIELD: 2 CUPS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

White onion,

cup

inch (.3 cm) dice

˜ chiles, stemmed, seeded, and Jalapeno

2 1 4

1 8

cup

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Cilantro, chopped fine

1 ounce, 28 ml

Fresh lime juice

To taste

Salt

3

Hass avocados, ripe

1 8

inch (.3 cm.) dice

Optional 3 4

cup

1 4

5 ounces, 140 g

Tomatoes,

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 ounce, 28 g

White onion,

2g

Cilantro, chopped fine

Garnish 1 4

cup

1 tablespoon As needed

1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

Tortilla chips

PROCEDURE

1

In a molcajete or with a regular mortar and pestle, grind together the onion, chiles, cilantro, lime juice, and salt until smooth.

2

Cut the avocadoes in half. Remove the pits, scoop out the flesh, and mash roughly into the chile mixture in the molcajete. Mix well to incorporate flavors.

3 4 5

Stir in tomatoes, if desired. Adjust the salt. Sprinkle with garnish and serve immediately with warm tortilla chips.

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Sopa de Fideos Aguada Noodles in Tomato Broth

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Chicken fat or vegetable oil

3 ounces, 84 g

Mexican fideos, angelhair pasta, or vermicelli

9 ounces, 252 g

Roma tomatoes, roasted and peeled

1 12

cups

1 1 4

Garlic clove, chopped cup

5 14

cups

1 tablespoon

1 ounce, 28 g

White onion, roughly chopped

42 ounces, 1.24 liter

Chicken stock, heated

3g

Italian parsley, roughly chopped

To taste

Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Heat fat or oil until it begins to smoke; add the whole bundles of noodles without breaking them up.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

´ stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until they are just golden brown. Saute, Drain off excess fat; reserve 2 tablespoon in pan. In a blender, combine tomatoes, garlic, and onions; blend until smooth. Add mixture to the browned noodles; stir to coat noodles. Add hot chicken stock and parsley; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked (soft). Adjust seasoning.

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RECIPES

Sopa de Fideos Aguada – Noodles in Tomato Broth

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MEXICO

Chiles en Nogada Chiles in Walnut Sauce

SERVES 4

This is one of the famous dishes of Mexico: large, dark green chiles poblanos stuffed with a pork meat picadillo and covered with a walnut sauce. It is decorated with red pomegranate seeds and large-leafed Italian parsley. The recipe is said to have been concocted by the grateful people of Puebla, for a banquet in honor of Don Agustin de Iturbide’s saint’s day, August 28, in 1821. He and his followers had led the final revolt against Spanish domination; as self-proclaimed emperor he had just signed the Treaty of Cordoba. All the dishes at the banquet were made with ingredients the colors of the Mexican flag: in this dish green chiles, white sauce, and red pomegranate seeds. AMOUNT

MEASURE

4

INGREDIENT

Chiles poblano, large and smooth

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 12

12 ounces, 336 g

Pork, chopped fine

2 ounces, 56 g

White onion, 14 -inch (.6 cm) dice

6 ounces, 170 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded, 14 -inch (.6) dice

1 2

cups

cup

ounce, 14 ml

1

Vegetable oil

Garlic clove, minced

1 cup

Apple, sweet or tart, 14 -inch (.6 cm) dice

1 1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Peaches, 14 -inch (.6 cm) dice

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Plantain, 14 -inch (.6 cm) dice

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Raisins

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Almond slivers

2 teaspoons

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Pine nuts

1 tablespoon

1 3

ounce, 10 g

Lemon zest

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 ml

Chicken stock

1 2

teaspoon

1g

Coriander seeds

To taste

Salt and black pepper

3

Eggs, separated

As needed

Flour

As needed

Oil

2 cups Garnish

16 ounces, 448 ml

Walnut sauce (recipe follows) Seeds of two pomegranates

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RECIPES

Chiles en Nogada – Chiles in Walnut Sauce

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PROCEDURE

1 2

Roast (char) the chiles, steam, and peel off outer skin without removing the stem.

3 4 5

Heat oil and brown the pork. Remove and drain meat; leave fat in pan.

6 7

Cook over slow heat until almost dry. Allow to cool.

8 9

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Lightly beat the egg yolk and mix into whites.

Make a lengthwise slit in each chile and remove the veins. Optional: Soak in a salt water and vinegar solution for up to 2 hours to reduce the heat of the pepper. Cook onion and garlic until translucent. Add tomatoes and cook 2 minutes. Combine pork, apples, peaches, plantain, raisins, almonds, pine nuts, lemon zest, and chicken stock with onion mixture. Add coriander and season with salt and pepper. Stuff chiles with pork mixture. Reshape and secure openings with a toothpicks; chill for 30 minutes. Heat oil to 350◦ F (175◦ C) in a deep fryer or pan fry using enough oil so it comes up half the thickness of the chiles.

10

Dip the stuffed chiles in flour and then in the egg batter, and fry until golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels and remove toothpicks.

11

Just before serving, coat with warm walnut sauce and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Walnut Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Walnut halves

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Milk

1 ounce

28 grams

Sliced bread, torn in pieces

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Queso fresco or whole-milk ricotta cheese

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 g

Heavy cream

1 2

2g

Sugar

teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1

Soak walnuts in half the milk for 1 hour. Strain and reserve the milk. Rub walnuts in a clean towel to remove the skin.

2 3

Soak the bread in remaining milk for at least 30 minutes. Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

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RECIPES

Frijoles de Olla

“Pot” Beans

SERVES 4

This is traditionally served in a small earthenware bowl. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

15 ounces, 420 g

Dried beans, black, pink, or pinto

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

White onion,

2 tablespoon

1 ounce, 28 g

Pork lard or vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

15 g

Salt

cup

To taste

1 4

inch (.6) dice

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Rinse beans in cold water and check for and remove small stones.

4 5

Add salt and continue to cook until the beans are soft and the liquid is somewhat thick.

Cover beans with hot water, add onion and lard, and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer; cover and cook until they are just soft and the skins are breaking open, 1 12 –2 hours. Correct seasoning.

Arroz con Leche

Mexican Rice Pudding

SERVES 4 AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Milk

1

Cinnamon stick

1 cup

6 12

ounces, 184 g

Long-grain rice

1 2

cup

3 12

ounces, 98 g

Granulated sugar

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 112 ml

Sweetened condensed milk

8 ml

Vanilla extract

1 21

teaspoons

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine milk and cinnamon; bring to boil. Add rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Combine sugar, condensed milk, and vanilla; stir to dissolve. Stir into rice and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve warm.

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MEXICO

Mole Negro Oaxaque˜ no Oaxacan Black Mole

SERVES 4–6

The most famous of Oaxaca’s many moles, traditionally served with pork, chicken, or particularly turkey, this is the choice for festive occasions. In Mexico, the ingredients for large batches of mole are usually taken to a molino-mill to eliminate the laborious process of grinding with the metate (stone mortar and pestle). AMOUNT

2 cups

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

5 ounces, 140 g

Mulato chiles

4 ounces, 112 g

Ancho chiles

2 ounces, 56 g

Pasilla chiles

4 ounces, 114 g

Chile negro

16 ounces, 448 ml

Chicken stock

1 1 4

Dried avocado leaves cup

1

1 ounces, 56 g

Sesame seeds

2 ounces, 56 g

Corn tortilla, finely chopped

2 ounces, 56 g

Bolillo or French roll, crumbled

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 ml

Lard or vegetable oil

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Almonds, sliced

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Peanuts, shelled and skinned

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Raisins

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Prunes, pitted and chopped

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Plantain, peeled and chopped

2g

Black pepper

1 teaspoon 2

Allspice, whole

1 8

teaspoon

Marjoram

1 8

teaspoon

Thyme

1 8

teaspoon

Oregano

1

Cinnamon stick, 2 inches (Continued)

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RECIPES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

Pinch 1 2

teaspoon

1 4

cup

INGREDIENT

Anise 3g

Cumin, ground

1 ounce, 28 g

Garlic clove, minced

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

White onion, chopped

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Tomatillos, husked

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Tomato

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 112 ml

Vegetable oil

2 ounce, 56 g

Mexican chocolate

To taste

Sugar and salt

PROCEDURE

1

Roast chiles and remove the veins and seeds; soak in chicken stock for 20 minutes. Puree chiles in a blender or food processor with stock. Reserve.

2 3

Dry-toast the avocado leaves, sesame seeds, tortillas, and bolillo until browned, set aside.

4 5

Roast the tomatillos and tomatoes on the comal or on a sheet pan under the broiler.

6 7 8 9 10

Heat the lard and fry the almonds, peanuts, raisins, prunes, plantain, herbs, spices, garlic, and onions until the onion begin to soften. Add more oil if needed. Blend all ingredients in a food processor, blender, or mortar except chile puree, vegetable oil, and chocolate; puree until smooth, adding enough water or stock to allow the blades to move. May be done in batches. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add blended ingredients and cook over low heat for 35 minutes. Add chile puree and continue to cook 30 minutes or until thickened. Add chocolate; stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with sugar and salt.

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MEXICO

Pozole Blanco

White Pozole

SERVES 4–6

Pozole, a Mexican soup, is made with a special type of corn that has been slaked (soaked) in a solution of lime. The traditional corn used is maiz blanco or cacahuazintle [kaw-kaw-WAHSEEN-til]. This is a very large-kerneled white corn grown in Mexico. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Water to cover 2 cups

13 ounces, 364 g

Hominy

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Pork stew meat,

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Pork neck bones

1

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) cubes

Pork trotters (optional), cut in 4 pieces 1 2

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

White onion,

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Garlic cloves, minced

cup

To taste

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Salt and pepper

Garnish 2

Limes, quartered

2 cups

4 ounces, 112 g

Lettuce or cabbage, shredded

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Radishes, washed, sliced thin

cup

1 tablespoon

Dried oregano

1 tablespoon

Crumbled chiles piquin or other small, dried hot red chiles

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

White onion,

8

1 4

inch (.6) dice

Corn tortillas, 4 inch, fried crisp

PROCEDURE 1 2

1 2

Add water to hominy to cover by

3

Add all pork items, first quantity of onion, and garlic; cook until pork is tender, adjusting water as needed.

4 5

Correct seasoning.

6 7

Ladle soup over garnish.

inch (1.2 cm).

Bring to boil and cook until corn kernels start to blossom or “flower” (they will open out at one end).

Arrange lime wedges, shredded lettuce or cabbage, radishes, oregano, chiles, and onions in bowls. Serve with fried tortillas.

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RECIPES

Arroz a` la Mexicana Mexican Rice

SERVES 4–6

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 21

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Tomato,

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Onions, thinly sliced

Hot water to cover

cup

ounces, 184 g

1 1 4

Long-grain rice

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic clove, minced cup

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Carrots,

2 cups

16 ounces 470 ml

Chicken stock

2 tablespoons

1 2

Green peas, cooked

ounce, 14 g

inch (.6 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Add hot water to cover rice and soak for 20 minutes.

5 6 7

Blend the tomato, onion, and garlic until smooth; add to the fried rice.

8

Cover rice with a tight lid or aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping. Let set for 25 minutes.

9

Remove cover; stir in peas.

Drain and rinse well in cold water; let drain 10 minutes. Heat oil until smoke point; add rice and stir to cover well with oil. Cook, stirring, until rice is light golden, stirring and turning so the rice cooks evenly. This process should take about 8 minutes and should be done over high heat or the rice will become mushy in its final cooking stage. Cook until the mixture is dry. Add carrots and chicken stock; cook uncovered over medium heat—do not stir—until the liquid has been absorbed and small air holes appear.

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MEXICO

Pescado a` la Veracruzana Fish Veracruz Style

SERVES 4

Pescado a` la Veracruzana is one of the most famous dishes of Veracruz, which lies on the Caribbean coast of eastern Mexico. This dish shows a strong influence of Spanish cuisine.

Chef Tip

Be careful with how much salt you add to this dish. The olives and capers will add their

own salt to the sauce. Red snapper is the fish most commonly associated with this dish, but any firm white fish fillet may be used. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4

4–6 ounces, 113–1170 g

Fish fillets, boneless white firm flesh

1 tablespoon

1 2

Fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon

8g

Salt

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

White onion, sliced thin

ounce, 14 ml

2

Garlic cloves, minced

3 cups

18 ounces, 508 ml

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 ml

Fish stock or water

1 3

2 ounces, 56 g

Green olives, pitted, sliced thin

2 tablespoon

6g

Parsley, minced

1 teaspoon

1g

Oregano, dried

cup

1 1 tablespoon

Bay leaf 1 2

ounce, 14 g

Capers, rinsed, drained

2

˜ Jalapenos, seeds and veins removed, sliced thin

1

Cinnamon stick

2

Whole cloves

To taste

Salt and pepper Rice, for serving

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RECIPES

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Marinate the fish in the lime juice and salt, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

5 6

Add fish to tomato sauce, cover with sauce; cover and simmer until fish is cooked.

Heat oil over medium heat; add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, bring to simmer, and cook 15 minutes until almost sauce consistency. Serve with rice.

Pescado à la Veracruzana – Fish Veracruz-style

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MEXICO

Jicama Salad SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red bell pepper, julienned

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green bell pepper, julienned

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Yellow bell pepper, julienned

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Carrot, julienned

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Jicama, peeled, julienned

1 2

3 ounces, 84 g

Cucumber, peeled, seeded, julienned

3g

Fresh cilantro, minced

cup

1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon

Fresh parsley, minced

1 teaspoon

Fresh chives, minced

2

Shallot, minced

1

Garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 ml

Vinegar or sherry wine vinegar

1 4

2 ounce, 56 ml

Olive oil

cup

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine the first six ingredients. Combine the remaining ingredients and whisk mixture until well incorporated. Toss vegetables with dressing; refrigerate until ready to serve.

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South America The Land South America, the fourth largest continent, contains the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls; the largest river (by volume), the Amazon River; the longest mountain range, the Andes; the driest desert, Atacama; the largest rain forest, the Amazon rain forest; the highest capital city, La Paz, Bolivia; and the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, Argentina. In the high reaches of the Andes Mountains, along the border between Bolivia and Peru, lies one of the highest regions inhabited by people anywhere in the world. Here in the altiplano farmers raise sheep, llamas, and alpacas, as they have for thousands of years. But unlike most farmlands, the altiplano is surrounded by jagged mountains, volcanic peaks that drop steeply down to deserts in some places, to rain forests in others, and on the western side, to the deep trench of the Pacific Ocean. South America is home to some of the planet’s largest volcanoes, and in the far south along the coast of Chile, large ice sheets are commonplace. The Amazon River Basin is roughly the size of the forty-eight contiguous United States and covers some 40 percent of the South American continent. Reflecting environmental conditions as well as past human influence, the Amazon is made up of ecosystems and vegetation types that include rain forests, seasonal forests, deciduous forests, flooded forests, and savannas. The Eastern Highlands of South America belong to the older geologic period (almost of the same time as that of North America’s Appalachian Mountains). The northern section of the Eastern Highlands is known as Guiana Highlands, which consists of a vast plateau marked by deep gorges and tropical rain forests, and is home to Angel Falls. The southern section is known as the Brazilian Highlands and includes several mountain ranges.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Venezuela’s rugged Llanos are one of the world’s richest tropical grasslands. This large, very fertile plain is located in central and southern Venezuela and eastern and central Colombia. It is drained by the Orinoco River and its many tributaries. This mostly flat, grassy country is teeming with wildlife, including more than 100 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds. Here, a catfish known as the lau-lau weighs up to 330 pounds and is considered a culinary delicacy. Pampas is a word of Quechua origin that means “a plain without trees.” This flat land is Argentina’s agricultural heartland, home of the gaucho (cowboy) and is famed for its many cattle ranches. Patagonia is the area between the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. It stretches south from the Rio Negro River in southern Argentina to Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan and is one of the less populated regions in the world. Its mostly rugged, barren land is not suitable for extensive farming, but is compatible with sheep raising.

History In the sixteenth century, Spanish explorers in the Americas encountered two great civilizations, one in Mesoamerica (the territory controlled by the Aztecs and the Mayas at the time of the conquest) and the other in South America (the territory in the central Andean region under Inca rule). The people of these regions included many tribes and nations, with achievements that included art, cities, and strong foundations of economic, political, and social organization. The Inca empire, with its capital at Cuzco (in modern-day Peru), covered a large portion of South America in the fifteenth century and the first quarter of the sixteenth century. The empire stretched nearly 2,500 miles down the west coast of South America, and covered coastal desert, high mountains, and low-lying jungle. It covered most of modern-day Peru, part of Ecuador, and Bolivia, northwest Argentina, and the greater part of Chile. To control such a huge area, the Incas built roads, including both mountainous and coastal routes. This road system was key to farming success since it allowed distribution of foodstuffs over long distances. Agriculture was an important part of Incan life and farmers used sophisticated methods of cultivation. By the time of the Spanish conquest, the ancient Americans were some of the greatest plant cultivators in the world. Maize from Mesoamerica and potatoes from the Andes were some of their contributions to the European diet. To get the highest yield from their crops, the Incas used terracing and irrigation methods on hillsides in the highlands. Building terraces meant that they could use more land for cultivation, and it also helped to resist erosion of the land by wind and rain.

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Cartagena

VENEZUELA

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SOUTH AMERICA

By the sixteenth century, rumors of gold and other riches attracted the Spanish to the area. Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, explored south from Panama, reaching Inca territory. It was clear that they had reached a wealthy land with prospects of great treasure, and after one more expedition in 1529, Pizarro traveled to Spain and received royal approval to conquer the region and be its viceroy. Pedros Alvares Cabral set sail from Portugal in 1500 to sail to the eastern side of South America. He arrived on the coast of Brazil and claimed the region for Portugal. Finding the warm climate and rich soil ideal for planting sugarcane, the Portuguese built large plantations and brought slaves from West Africa. Shiploads of Euorpean settlers poured in to make their ˜ Paulo, and Brazil became the foremost fortune. Many grew coffee in the rich soil around Sao coffee producer in the world at that time. Gold mines flourished in the interior, and a new industry to produce rubber emerged up along the Amazon. Cattle ranches sprang up to feed developing mining centers. Brazil soon began exporting coffee, rubber, cocoa, and cattle. Today these are countries of great contrasts. In each one, there are wealthy and cosmopolitan cities, but there are also areas where many people live in conditions of great poverty. Significant ecological and environmental issues, such as the destruction of the rain forest, loss of plant and animal species, and air and water pollution, are being addressed. Rich in natural resources with growing economies, there is great potential for the future.

The Food The inhabitants of the Andean region developed more than half the agricultural products that the world eats today. Among these are more than 20 varieties of corn, 240 varieties of potato, as well as one or more varieties of squash, beans, peppers, peanuts, and cassava (a starchy root). Quinoa (which in the language of Incans means “mother of cereals”) is a cereal grain crop domesticated in the high plains area around Lake Titicaca (on the border of Peru and Bolivia). By far the most important of the crops was the potato. The Incas planted the potato, which is able to withstand heavy frosts, in elevations as high as 15,000 feet. At these heights the Incas could use the freezing night temperatures and the heat of the day to alternately freeze and dry harvested potatoes until all the moisture had been removed. The Incas then reduced the potato to a light flour. Corn could also be grown up to an altitude of 13,500 feet; it was consumed fresh, dried, or popped. They also made it into an alcoholic beverage known as saraiaka or chicha. The manioc tuber, or cassava root, was another important staple of the natives. This carbohydrate-rich food was easy to propagate but difficult to process, at least for the bitter variety, which is poisonous when raw. To detoxify manioc, the tubers had to be peeled and

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THE FOOD

grated and the pulp put into long, supple cylinders—called tipitis—made of woven plant fibers. Each tube was then hung with a heavy weight at the bottom, which compressed the pulp and expressed the poisonous juice. The pulp could then be removed, washed, and roasted, rendering it safe to eat. The product was toasted into coarse meal or flour known as farinha de mandioc. Starch settling out from the extracted juice was heated on a flat surface, causing individual starch grains to pop open and clump together into small, round granules called tapioca. The extracted juice, boiled down to remove the poison, was used as the basis of the sauce known as tucupi. Manioc meal became many things in the hands of the Indian women. Pulverized meal was mixed with ground fish to produce a concoction called pac¸oka, or pac¸oca. For the children, small, sun-dried cakes called carima˜ were prepared. There was a porridge or paste known as mingau, and thin, crisp snacks called beijus, made of either tapioca flour or dough from a nonpoisonous, or sweet variety of manioc known as macaxeira or aipim. These sweet manioc tubers, which are somewhat fibrous but considerably easier to prepare, were also pared, boiled for several hours to soften them, and eaten like potatoes. Soups are an indispensable part of the main meal and frequently are a meal in themselves. Most South American soups originated in European kitchens; a few date back to pre-Hispanic times. In the Andean countries there are the mazamorroas or coladoas, creamlike soups made with ground dried corn and ground dried beans, quinoa, amaranth, or squash. Variations of this type of soup, called sangos, are probably the oldest Indian food. Sango was the sacred dish of the Incas. The Spaniards introduced potajes (hearty soups), pucheros (pot-au-feu-type soups), and cocidos (meat and vegetables soups) that are popular in the southern countries of South America. Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Paraguay have locros—thick soups made with hominy, beans, squash, and sweet potatoes. Chupes, popular in Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador, are stewlike soups prepared with fish, chicken, or other meat along with potatoes, cheese, vegetables, and may include eggs.

VENEZUELA

Venezuela is located on the northern edge of South America, bordered by Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, and the southern waters of the Caribbean Sea. The explorer Christopher Columbus, on his third voyage sailing from Spain, landed on its coast in 1498. Venezuela declared itself independent of Spain in 1811 but retains a strong Spanish influence. The country is one of the world’s top ten producers of oil, which has helped it to develop its economy. Due to the diversity in the landscape, Venezuela has an ability to grow a wide variety of crops. Its main crop is sugarcane, followed by fruits such as bananas, oranges, pineapple, papayas, strawberries, passion fruit, watermelons, limes, and avocados. Because of its long Caribbean coastline Venezuela is as much a Caribbean country as it is a South American one. Venezuela has a strong fishing industry, famous for sardines, shrimp, clams, mussels, crabs, and tuna.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Arepas, thick, flattened balls of fried or baked corn or wheat flour, are the main staple of Venezuelan cuisine. These flatbreads can be filled with meats, cheeses, jelly, or vegetables. Favorite fillings include tuna or chicken salad, shredded beef, or ham and cheese. Arepas usually accompany Venezuela’s national dish, pabellon criollo. This is a hearty dish that includes black beans and shredded beef seasoned with onions, garlic, green peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro. This is served atop a mound of rice alongside a fried egg and strips of fried plantain. White cheese is grated over the top. Hallaca is a special dish served only during the holidays. A packet of cornmeal dough is steamed in a wrapping of palm leaves with a filling of pork, chicken, and beef, and mixed with olives, capers, raisins, tomatoes, peppers, nuts, and spices. Hallaca were first made by servants trying to use up leftovers from their plantation master’s tables. Among the unusual foods in this country are logarto sancocho (lizard soup) and fried ants, considered a special treat.

BRAZIL

Brazil covers nearly half of South America and both the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn run through the country. Brazil is bordered by Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The country’s main regions are the Amazon Basin, the dry northeast where farmers raise cattle, and the southeast, Brazil’s most populated region. Brazil’s population is the largest in Latin America and constitutes about half the population of South America. With nearly all of the people living in cities and towns, Brazil is one of the ˜ Paulo and Rio de Janeiro most urbanized and industrialized countries in Latin America. Sao are among the ten largest cities in the world. Yet parts of Brazil’s Amazon region, which has some of the world’s most extensive wilderness areas, are sparsely inhabited by indigenous peoples who rarely come into contact with the modern world. Until 1822 the country was a Portuguese colony and even today its official language is Portuguese. The Portuguese and Spanish brought African slaves to South America, and nowhere is their influence stronger than in Brazil. Dendeˆ (palm oil), peppers, okra, and coconut milk, staples of West African cooking, are firmly established on the Brazilian palate. Brazil’s national dish, feijoada (literally “big bean” stew), is said to have originated during slave times. Originally feijoada contained inexpensive and less desirable cuts of meat such as tripe and pigs feet, as slaves had only the leftovers of the master’s table for themselves. Today feijoada consists of a variety of meats slowly cooked with black beans and condiments. A feijoada completa, or “complete feijoada,” is accompanied by rice, fresh orange slices, a side dish of peppery onion sauce, chopped greens such as collards, and farinha (toasted manioc flour). The Portuguese influence shows in the rich, sweet egg breads that are served at nearly every meal, and in the seafood dishes that blend assorted seafoods with coconut and other native fruits and vegetables. Seafood stews predominate in the north, while the south is the land of churrascos. Churrasco is a Brazilian word that means “to barbecue” and stems from the

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THE FOOD

pampas of Brazil, where ranchers cook large portions of marinated meats on long skewers over an open fire pit. The range of barbecued meats includes pork, beef, chicken, goat, and the very special galinha do coracao, or chicken hearts. The meats are cut straight from the skewer with large butcher knives directly onto the plate. They make great use of their rich assortment of tubers, squash, and beans. Manioc is at the heart of Brazilian vegetable consumption. It is the “flour” of the region, and is eaten in one form or another at nearly every meal. Brazilian food, unlike the cuisines of many of the surrounding countries, favors the sweet rather than the hot.

THE GUIANAS

Guyana (formerly British Guiana), Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), and French Guiana (an overseas department of France) are situated in northeastern South America. Together they are called the Guianas and the influences are varied. The Dutch were among the first to settle in Guyana. With the Dutch, many Germans and Austrians also settled in the area, which added to the cuisine of this region. Peas, rice, and bread are staples in the diet of many Guyanese. Locally grown vegetables such as manioc, plantains, and breadfruit are widely consumed, but are available only in season. A popular festive food is cook-up, which is any kind of meat prepared in coconut milk and served with rice and beans. There are influences from India and many traditional dishes are very spicy, made with curries and habanero peppers, or Scotch bonnet, which is native to the region. Suriname is more prosperous than Guyana and has a diversity of ethnic influences. The Indonesian population has contributed a number of spicy meat and vegetable side dishes, including nasi goring (fried rice) and bami goring (fried noodles). From the Creole population has come pom (ground tayer roots, which are a relative of the cassava, mixed with poultry), and pastei (chicken pie with vegetables). The African influence is found in the popular peanut soup. French Guiana is the only remaining nonindependent country on the South American mainland. The French used it as a penal colony between 1852 and 1939, and it is the location of the infamous Devil’s Island. In 1947 it became an overseas department of France. It is governed by French law and the French constitution, and enjoys French customs, currency, and holidays. Most of the food here is imported and people in French Guiana enjoy an international cuisine, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes.

COLOMBIA

Located in the northwest corner of South America, Columbia is the only country in South America with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Colombia also shares its borders with Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Coffee is Colombia’s leading agricultural crop. With its two coastlines, seafood makes a major impact on the cuisine, along with chicken,

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pork, potatoes, rice, beans, and soup. Columbia’s cuisine also has a strong Spanish influence. Interesting regional dishes include ajiaco, a specialty from Bogota that is a potato-based soup accompanied by chicken and maize and served with cream, capers, and chunks of avocado; the famous hormiga culona, a large ant that is fried and eaten; and lechona, a whole suckling pig, spit-roasted and stuffed with rice, which is a specialty of Tolima.

ECUADOR

This county’s name comes from the Spanish word meaning “equator” as it sits directly on the ´ equator. It is bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean and includes the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is renowned for its ceviche, made with bitter orange juice and chilies. AfroEcuadorians along the northern coast enjoy seafood seasoned with coconut milk. Peanuts and bananas are found on the lower-coastal regions. Corn and potato pancakes and soups, as well as grilled cuy (guinea pig), are popular further inland along the Andes. Ecuador is also known for its fabulous exotic fruits that include cherimoya (custard apple), physalis (cape gooseberry), tamarillo (tree tomato), babaco (mountain papaya), granadilla (passion fruit), baby bananas, and red bananas. There is also high-quality fish and seafood, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes. Across the country national and regional dishes include lemon-marinated shrimp, toasted corn, and pastries stuffed with spiced meats. The core of the Ecuadorian diet is rice, potatoes, and meat (beef and chicken throughout the country and pork in the Sierra region). Foods are cooked in achiote oil or lard. Refrito, a fried mixture containing chopped onions, green peppers, tomato, achiote, and salt and/or garlic, is added to many cooked dishes. Meats are often seasoned with a spicy aji sauce. The aji sauce (made from a spicy red pepper) is a national delicacy and is found on most tables. Ecuador’s specialties are fresh soups such as Locro soup (cheese, avocado, and potato). Fanesca is a soup made of many ingredients including twelve different grains and salted cod served during Lent. Other popular dishes include lomo salteado (thin sliced steak, covered with onions and tomatoes) and chocio (grilled Andean corn) sold by street vendors.

PERU

Peru, just south of the equator, is located on the western coast of South America. It is bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean. East of the dry coastal plain of Peru lie the Andes Mountains, which contain active volcanoes and high plateaus between the ranges. East of the Andes are plains covered by rain forests. This “land of the Incas” is the world’s potato capital, with more than three hundred varieties and colors (including purple, blue, yellow, and shades of brown to pink), as well as various sizes, textures, and flavors. This tuber, in addition to rice, chicken, pork, lamb, and fish, comprise the basic ingredient from which most Peruvian dishes originate. Most corn and beans cannot grow in the Andes Mountains because of the cold and the short growing

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season; thus, the potato was the main staple grown by the Incas and Indians. The Indians also grew quinoa and the grain kiwicha, which grows at high altitudes and produces small seeds that are very rich in protein. These were used by the Incas to supplement their diet. The areas surrounding the Pacific Ocean, the Amazon River, and Lake Titicaca have abundant seafood and turtles. Ceviche comes in many variations, and is typically served with boiled potato, sweet potato, or cancha (toasted corn kernels). Meats are served in a variety of ways. Butifarras is a sandwich with Peruvian ham and spicy sauce. Carapulcra is a stew made with pork, chicken, yellow potatoes, chiles, peanuts, and cumin. Aji de gallina is a peppery chicken served in a creamy, yellow, spicy nut-based sauce. Seco de cabrito is goat marinated with chichi de jora (a fermented maize drink) or beer, cilantro, and garlic. Chaiona is cured lamb, alpaca, or llama. Grilled or fried guinea pig (cuy) is a favorite in the highlands. The cuisine’s flavor is spicy and sweet and it varies by region. Some Peruvian chile peppers are not spicy but give color to sauces. In Peru rice production is significant and today rice often accompanies Peruvian dishes rather than potatoes.

BOLIVIA

The landlocked country of Bolivia is located in west-central South America and is bordered by Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile. Due to the number of mountains with elevations of 18,000 to 20,000 feet, many people refer to the country as the “Tibet of the Americas.” The portion of the Andes Mountains that runs through Bolivia includes some of the highest peaks and most remote regions found anywhere in South America. Lake Titicaca and surrounding streams and rivers offer fresh trout and other fishes. Bolivia is known for its saltenas and empanadas, which are meat or vegetable pies. Other traditional dishes include majao, a rice dish with eggs, beef, and fried banana; silpancho, meat served with rice and potatoes; and pacumutu, a rice dish with grilled beef, fried yuca, and cheese. Spicy sauces and condiments made with ajis are served with stews and soups such as chairo (with cured lamb or alpaca), chuno (freeze-dried potatoes), or saice (meat soup with onions and tomatoes). Bolivian beer is popular, but the most favored local drink is chicha cochabambina, a very potent alcohol made from corn.

PA R A G U AY

Although landlocked, Paraguay is bordered and crisscrossed by navigable rivers. Corn and manioc are the cornerstones of the cuisine in Paraguay. Other principal food crops include beans, peanuts, sorghum, sweet potatoes, and rice. Many types of beans are grown in Paraguay, including lima beans, French beans, and peas. The most popular dishes are based on corn, meat, milk, and cheese. Yerba mate is a national drink made from the green dried leaves and stemlets of the tree Ilex paraguarensis and is an important ritualistic process among the people of Paraguay and Argentina. It is served in a hollow gourd that is filled two-thirds of the way with the moistened mate herb. Hot water is then poured into the gourd. The person sucks

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the mate water out of the gourd with a bombilla (a metal filter straw with a strainer at the end, which can range from the functional to the elaborately crafted). When the water is gone, the gourd is refilled by the server with hot water and passed to the next person in the group. When that person finishes, the gourd is handed back to the server for another refill and this rotating process of sharing is what makes the act of mate drinking a moment of intimacy for those present. Yerba mate is supposed to have powers that include mental stimulation, fatigue reduction, and stress reduction. Another local drink preferred by Paraguayans is locally produced dark rum made from sugarcane.

CHILE

More than 2600 miles long and only 110 miles at its widest point, the terrain of Chile ranges from the desert in the north to the Antarctic in the south. Chile is located on the western coast of South America and bordered by Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Chile’s agriculture is well established in North American and European supermarkets, with major exports of fruit and wine. Spanish priests first introduced vines to Chile in the sixteenth century because they needed wine for religious celebrations. Vines were planted in the central valley around Santiago and grew well. In the 1850s, the Spanish vines were replaced by French varieties and winemaking became a serious industry. Historically, Chile has grown mostly the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, but recent successes with Merlot, Carmenere, and Syrah grapes make a wider range of wines available. Muscatel grapes are grown in the northern region, but mainly for the production of pisco, the national drink. During the nineteenth century, the newly independent government sought to stimulate European immigration. Beginning in 1845, it had some success in attracting primarily German migrants to the Chilean south, principally to the lake district. For this reason, that area of the country still shows a German influence in its architecture and cuisine, and German (peppered with archaic expressions and intonations) is still spoken by some descendants of these migrants. Because of its location in the Southern Hemisphere, the fruits grown there are ready for export in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season. Fruits exported to the United States include apples, avocados, peaches, nectarines, kiwifruits, plums, pears, blueberries, and cherries, and the main vegetables are garlic, asparagus, and onions. A typical Chilean dish is cazuela de ave, a thick stew of chicken, potatoes, rice, green peppers, and, occasionally, onions. Humitas are a national favorite, and they come from the Amerindians who are native to Chile. Humitas are made with grated fresh corn, mixed into a paste with fried onions, basil, salt, and pepper. The mixture is then wrapped in corn husks and cooked in boiling water. Chile’s long coastline makes it a natural for seafood such as abalone, eel, scallops, turbot, king crab, sea urchin, and algae. The Juan Fernadez Islands are known for their huge lobsters. Seafood is an ingredient prepared in almost every technique, including stews, ceviches, escabeches, or snacks with potatoes, corn, squash, and other vegetables. Many of Chile’s lamb dishes, such

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as lamb ribs or lamb shish kebabs, as well as baked deer dishes and cakes, stem from Welsh influence. Chile’s most distinctive desserts trace their origins to the southern lake region, where German immigrants left a legacy of kuchen—a delicious pastry loaded with fresh fruits like raspberries and apricots. A more common Chilean pastry is the alfajor, which consists of dulce de leche (caramelized milk) sandwiched between thin pastries and rolled in powdered sugar. Another favorite is macedonia, diced fruit with a fruit syrup topping. There is also arroz con leche, or chilled rice with milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Semola con leche is a flan made of sweet corn flour topped with caramel.

ARGENTINA

Argentina, which means “land of silver,” is a rich and vast land—the second largest country (after Brazil) in South America and eighth largest in the world. Located in southern South America, it is bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Argentina’s heartland is a broad grassy plain known as the Pampas. The cuisine has been influenced by waves of European immigration. Italian immigrants have had considerable influence, and Italian standards like lasagna, pizza, pasta, and ravioli are commonly seen on the Argentine table, at least in the country’s major cities. Argentina is the beef capital of the world. The rich grassland of the Pampas are home to cattle and sheep, raised by gauchos (Argentine cowboys). The national dish is matambre, made from thin flank steak rolled with fillings that include spinach, whole hard-boiled eggs, other vegetables, herbs, and spices. The steak is then tied with a string and either poached in broth or baked. Its name is derived from mata hambre, which means “kill your hunger.” Probably the most famous Argentine dish is the parrillada, a mixed grill plate of different meats and sausages (chorizos). The meat is cooked on a very large grill called a parilla. Spit roasting is also very popular. For this the meat to be roasted is placed on spits that look like swords and are placed tip down into and around hot coals. Classic Argentinean cuisine includes chimichurri sauce (a cross between Mexican salsa and Italian vinaigrette) and the empanada. Here tortillas are made with potato dough, in contrast to the traditional Mexican corn or flour tortilla. Argentina is the world’s fifth largest producer of wine. The grape varieties are almost entirely of European derivation: Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec are only a few of some 60 different varieties cultivated. Almost 75 percent of the total wine production originates in the province of Mendoza found in the Andean foothills. Mendoza cultivates its vines on desert flatlands made fertile by irrigated water, which descends from the Andes. Although made from European grapes, Argentine wines have their own flavor because of the climate and soil conditions and irrigation methods. There are two varieties that can be considered exclusively Argentinean in quality if not in origin. The first is Malbec, a grape not considered particularly distinguished in France, but considered by many in Argentina to make fine red wine. The second is the Torrontes, a grape of Spanish origin, which makes a full, fruity, rich white wine.

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U R U G U AY

Uruguay is located on the southeastern coast of South America, bordered by Brazil, Argentina, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a land of grassy plains and hills. Sheep and cattle ranches make up 80 percent of the land. Uruguayan cuisine is the result of many influences, including gaucho, Spanish, and Italian. In Uruguay, food and meat are almost synonymous. Most restaurants in Uruguay are parrillada (grill-rooms), which specialize in asado (barbecued beef), the country’s most famous dish. Besides beef, pork, sausage, and grilled chicken are popular. Chivito (a sandwich filled with slices of meat, lettuce, and egg) and puchero (beef with vegetables, bacon, beans, and sausages) are local favorites. With the arrival of large numbers of Italian immigrants in the twentieth century, many businesses opened by Italians were pasta-making factories. They also imported Parmesan cheese and prosciutto ham into Uruguay and these foods have made their way into the national cuisine.

Glossary Aji (a’hee) Spicy chili or seasoning: very hot Andean chili pepper, malagueta. Aji Caco de Cabra Fresh red pepper, long, thin, and very hot, used to make Chile hot pepper

sauce. Aj´ı de Gallina Shredded chicken in a piquant cream sauce (Peru). Aji Mirasol, aji Amarillo A common pepper in Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine, bright yellow and

hot. Aji Verde Milder variety of aji caco de cabra, with a thicker flesh and a waxy, lime green skin.

Used in Chile to make condiments. Alfajores Wafer-thin spirals of shortbread dusted with icing sugar, served with manjar blanco

(a caramel sauce) (Peru). Amaranth Tiny ancient seeds cultivated in the Americas for several millennia. One of the

staple grains of the Incas and other pre-Columbian Indians. They are rich in protein and calcium, and have a pleasant, peppery flavor. Substitutes: millet, quinoa, buckwheat groats. Anticuchos Strips of beef or fish marinated in vinegar and spices, then barbecued on skewers

(Peru). Arepa Flour A precooked corn flour used to make arepas and tamales in Colombia and

Venezuela. It has a grainy texture. It should not be confused with Mexican masa harina.

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Arepas The native bread made from primitive ground corn, water, and salt (Venezuela).

´ in garlic Arroz Brasileiro or Arroz Simples Rice, Brazilian style. Long-grained rice briefly sauteed and oil before the addition of boiling water. In addition to garlic, some Brazilian cooks add small amounts of onion, diced tomato, or sliced black olives for additional flavor. Properly done, each grain is fluffy and separate from others. Asada (Asado) Spanish for roasted or broiled. A roast cooked on an open fire or grill. Often

served with chimichurri sauce. Asador A Spanish word for a wire-mesh stovetop grill that can be used to roast vegetables over an outdoor fire or on the stovetop. Babaco A member of the papaya family. Looks like a papaya but is smaller in diameter and has a tougher skin. The fruit has a delicate white flesh and seeds that are like those of passion fruit. Bacalao Dried, salted codfish. Introduced by Spanish and Portuguese settlers, it is very popular

in Latin America. The whiter bacalao is the better quality. Batida These tropical fruits cocktails are a mixture of fresh fruit juice and cachac¸a, the potent

sugarcane liquor from Brazil. Sometimes the recipe will also call for leite condensado (sweetened condensed milk) and/or other liquor. They are usually prepared in a blender and served with crushed ice in tiny glasses. Bedidas Calientes Hot beverages. Hot drinks are as common as cold ones in South America. Bouillon d’Aoura A dish of smoked fish, crab, prawns, vegetables, and chicken served with

aoura (the fruit of Savana trees) (French Guiana). Breadfruit Resembling a melon with bumpy green scales, breadfruit weighs 2 to 4 pounds.

When green, it tastes like a raw potato. When partially ripened, it resembles eggplant and has the sticky consistency of a ripe plantain. When fully ripe it has the texture of soft Brie cheese. It is cooked like potatoes and is never eaten raw. Cafe´ Coffee. Cafe´ con Leche Coffee with warm milk, the preferred South American style. Camarao Seco Dried shrimp. In various sizes, dried shrimp are utilized in many dishes. Before

use they are covered with cold water and soaked overnight. The water is discarded before the shrimp are used. The residual salt is usually enough that more is not added to a recipe. Carbonada An Argentine stew with meats, vegetables, and fruits. Cassava People in Hispanic countries use cassavas much like Americans use potatoes. There

are sweet and bitter varieties of cassava. The sweet can be eaten raw, but the bitter variety

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requires cooking to destroy the harmful prussic acid it contains. Cassava played a major role in the expansion by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. Cassava could be prepared in large quantities, it was cheap, and it kept well. Explorers also exported cassava to Africa, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia, where it has become a significant ingredient in those regions’ cuisines. It’s often best to buy frozen cassava, since the fresh kind is hard to peel. Look for it in Hispanic markets. Unprepared cassava doesn’t store well, so use it within a day or two of purchase. Malanga, dasheen, or potato (not as gluey) can be used as substitutes. Cau Cau Tripe cooked with potato, peppers, and parsley (Peru). Cazuela A stew made with beef, chicken, or seafood along with various vegetables. Ceviche Marinated foods, also spelled seviche or cebiche. Cheese (Quesos) Queso Blanco or Queso Fresco (white cheese) The primary cheese used in South America. A fresh, moist, lightly salted, unripened cheese made from cow’s milk. Quesillo A cheese used the same day it is made or within a few days. Quesillo is refreshing,

similar to ricotta cheese, but it is molded and can be cut into slices. For crumbling use queso fresco. Queso Blanco Also called queso de mesa. A firmer cheese because it is pressed and left to mature for weeks. In areas of South American, queso blanco comes in various degrees of maturation, from ricotta type to hard cheese. Queso de Cabra Goat cheese. Cherimoya A species of Annona native to the Andean-highland valleys of Peru, Ecuador,

Colombia, and Bolivia. The fruit is fleshy, soft and sweet, white in color, with a custard-like texture, which gives it its secondary name, custard apple. Some characterize the flavor as a blend of pineapple, mango, and strawberry. Similar in size to a grapefruit, it has large, glossy, dark seeds that are easily removed. The seeds are poisonous if crushed open; one should also avoid eating the skin. It is green when ripe and gives slightly to pressure, similar to the avocado. Chichas Beerlike drink made from many types of seeds, roots, or fruits, such as quinoa,

peanuts, grapes, oca, yuca, corn, rice, and the berries of the mulli tree (pink peppercorns). Chimichurri Sauce Vinegar-based mixture of herbs, vegetables, and spices, traditionally used

as the marinade or main sauce with grilled meats (Argentina). Chocolate A preparation made from cocoa seeds that have been roasted, husked, and ground.

Chocolate today is often sweetened and flavored with vanilla. Aztec king Montezuma drank 50 goblets a day in the belief that it was an aphrodisiac.

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Ceviche, Seviche, or Cebiche M A R I N AT E D F O O D S

Ceviche is seafood prepared in a centuries-old method of cooking by contact with the acidic juice of citrus juice instead of heat. Ceviche dates back to the Incas, who seasoned fish with sea salt and aji (chile peppers) and cured it in the acidic juice of tumbo, a tart tropical fruit. Ceviche’s origin is somewhat disputed—either the invention of the pre-Columbians who, food historians tell us, ate their raw fish laced with dried chiles, salt, and foraged herbs; or ceviche as we know it was the creation of Moorish cooks who were brought to South America as Spanish slaves, and who, it is believed, were responsible for the addition of citrus juice to the earlier cooks’ traditional salt/spice/herb mix. Traditionally, the citrus marinade was made with naranja agria (sour or bitter orange); however, today lemon, lime, and orange juices are used to prepare most ceviche. It can be eaten as a first course or main dish, depending on what is served with it. Every Latin American country has given ceviche its own touch of individuality by adding particular garnishes. In Peru, it is served on lettuce leaves, without the marinade, garnished with slices of cold sweet potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, slices of hard-cooked egg and cheese, with a bowl of cancaha (toasted dried corn) on the side. Peruvians also prefer ceviche spicy. In Ecuador, the hot sauce is normally served on the side, the marinade is served in small bowl, and the ceviche is accompanied by popcorn, French bread, or cancaha (toasted dried corn). In Mexico, ceviche is accompanied by slices of raw onions and served on toasted tortillas. The most famous ceviche comes from Ecuador and Peru, and Ecuadorian ceviche may enjoy the reputation of being the best in South America. In Peru and Ecuador, ceviches are popular snack foods. Ceviche can be made with just about any type of seafood: fish, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, squid, langostinos, or lobster. The common denominators among the countries are the lemon and lime juices used as the basis for the marinade. The acid in the marinade “cooks” the fish. Depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the pieces, this “cooking” takes anywhere from three to six hours. Shellfish is usually cooked or blanched first before adding to the marinade. Colombian ceviches use citrus juices and tomato sauce for the marinade and are served on lettuce leaves, as in Peru. Colombians also have a unique ceviche made with coconut milk, an African contribution.

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Chuchoca Corn that is boiled and sun-dried for two to three days. Chupe de Camarones Chowder-type soup made with shrimp, milk, eggs, potatoes, and peppers

(Peru). Churrascaria A Brazilian or Portuguese steakhouse. Cochayuyo Seaweed found along the coast of Chile; very important in the Chilean diet. Cocoa The fruit of the cocoa plant. These beans are fermented, dried, roasted, cracked, and ground. After extracting half the fat, it is again dried into unsweetened cocoa. Dutch cocoa is treated with alkali to neutralize acidity. Coconut Cream Made by combining one part water and four parts shredded fresh or desiccated

coconut meat and simmering until foamy. The coconut is then discarded. It is particularly used in curry dishes. Coconut Milk Made by combining equal parts water and shredded fresh or desiccated coconut

meat and simmering until foamy. The coconut is then discarded. It is particularly used in curry dishes. Coconut Water The opaque white liquid in the unripe coconut that serves as a beverage for

those living near the coconut palm. Corvina Sea bass. Creole Style of cooking melding Incan and Spanish culinary techniques and ingredients. Dendeˆ Oil (Palm Oil) A form of edible vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm tree. Dulce de Leche Caramel-like candy popular in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru,

Uruguay, and other parts of the Americas. Its most basic recipe mixes boiled milk and sugar, or it may also be prepared with sweetened condensed milk cooked for several hours. ˜ A Bolivian national specialty that is a mixture of diced meat, chicken, chives, Empanada Saltena raisins, diced potatoes, hot sauce, and pepper baked in dough. Ensaladas Salads. The most popular salads are cooked vegetable salads and those that include fresh beans. A common characteristic of South American salads is the sparse use of dressing. Tossed salad (ensalada mixta) is generally made with lettuce and tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, shredded carrots, radishes, or watercress and usually tossed with oil and vinegar. South American cuisines also include main course salads, seasoned with a vinaigrette or a mayonnaise dressing (popular in the southern countries, especially during hot months). Potato and rice salads, simple or complex, can be found throughout South America.

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Escabeches Escabeches is a very popular technique of pickling food used throughout South

America. The technique is of Arab origin introduced by Spanish explorers and traders, adopted as a way of preserving foods, such as fish, poultry, meat, and vegetables. Fritada Called chicharron in the areas around the Andes, usually made with different cuts of

pork. In Argentina it is made with beef. This dish requires the meat to be cooked in beer until tender and then browned in its own fat. Guinea Pigs Called cuy or curi in the Andean regions, these vegetarian rodents are raised for food in native Indian homes. Hallaca Cornmeal combined with beef, pork, ham, and green peppers, wrapped in individual

pieces of banana leaves and cooked in boiling water. Traditionally eaten at Christmas and New Year’s (Colombia and Venezuela). Hearts of Palm Tender, ivory-colored buds of a particular palm tree. They can be used in

salads, soups, as a vegetable, or with ceviche. Ilajhua A hot sauce consisting of tomatoes and pepper pods, used to add spice and flavor (Bolivia). Jugos Fruit juice drinks that can be made from any fruit mixed with water and sugar. Kaniwa A nutritious grain that grows at high altitudes, thriving in places where quinoa cannot survive. A prominent early grain used by the Indians of Bolivia and the Peruvian altiplano. ¨ Linguica Brazilian garlic pork sausage of Portuguese origin. Polish sausage may be substituted. Llapingachos Pancakes stuffed with mashed potato and cheese (Ecuador). Lomo Montado Fried tenderloin steak with two fried eggs on top, rice, and fried banana

(Bolivia). Malagueta Small green, yellow, or red pepper from Brazil. This pepper is extremely hot and an essential ingredient in the kitchen. They come preserved in jars or as a table sauce. They are pickled in a 2:1 oil to grain alcohol ratio and then rested for one month before using. Tabasco sauce can be used as a substitute. Manioc (see Cassava) Manioc Flour Widely used in Brazil as a breading for chicken. Manioc is not a grain; it comes

from the tropical cassava root. When seasoned with spices, roasted manioc flour has a texture and flavor similar to a cornflake crumb breading. Matambre Rolled stuffed flank steak (Argentina).

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Empanadas In Spain, Portugal, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Philippines, an empanada (Portuguese empada) is basically a stuffed pastry. The name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread. Empanadas are also known by a wide variety of regional names. It is likely that the Latin American empanadas were originally from Galicia, Spain, where an empanada is prepared similar to a pie that is cut in pieces, making it a portable and hearty meal for working people. The Galician empanada is usually prepared with codfish or chicken. The addition of the empanada to the cuisine may be due to the influence of the Moors, who occupied Spain for eight hundred years. Middle Eastern cuisine to this day has similar foods, like simbusak (a fried, chickpea-filled “empanada”) from Iraq. Varieties by Country Argentina

Bolivia

The filling is ground beef, perhaps spiced with cumin and with onion, green olive, chopped boiled egg, and even raisins. While empanadas are usually baked, they can also be fried. They may also contain cheese, ham and cheese, chicken, tuna, humita (sweet corn with bechamel sauce) or spinach; a fruit filling is used to create a dessert empanada. Empanadas of the interior can be spiced with peppers. In restaurants where several types are served, a repulgue, or pattern, is added to the pastry fold. These patterns, which can be quite elaborate, distinguish the filling. ˜ (after an Argentine province bordering the country to Widely known as salteAas the south), they are made with beef or chicken and usually contain potatoes, peas, and carrots. They are customarily seamed along the top of the pastry and are generally sweeter than the Chilean variety.

Brazil

Empanadas are a common ready-to-go lunch item available at fast-food counters. A wide variety of different fillings and combinations are available, with the most common being chicken, beef, shrimp, cheese, olives, and palmito (heart of palm).

Chile

The dough for these empanadas is wheat flour based, but the meat filling is slightly different and often contains more onion. There are two types of Chilean empanadas: baked and fried. The baked empanadas are much larger than the fried variety. There are three main types of fillings: pino, cheese, and seafood. Pino contain chopped (or sometimes minced) meat, onion, chopped boiled egg, olives, and raisins. Fried empanadas containing shrimp and cheese are prevalent along the coastal areas. Seafood empanadas are essentially the same as pino, but with seafood instead of meat. Sweet empanadas, sugarcoated and filled with jam, are popular during September 18 Independence Day celebrations.

Colombia

Empanadas are either baked or fried. Fillings can vary according to the region, but they usually contain ingredients such as salt, rice, beef or ground beef, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and peas. However, variations can also be found (cheese empanadas, chicken-only empanadas, and even trucha—trout—empanadas). The pastry is mostly corn based, although potato flour is commonly used. They are usually served with aji (picante), a sauce made of cilantro, green onions, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, and bottled hot sauces.

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Cuba

These empanadas are typically filled with seasoned meats (usually ground beef or chicken) folded into dough and deep-fried. These are not to be confused with Cuban pastelitos, which are very similar but use lighter pastry dough and may or may not be fried. Cubans eat empanadas at any meal, but usually during lunch or as a snack.

Dominican Republic

Very similar in preparation and consumption as Cuban empanadas, but modern versions, promoted by some specialty food chains, include stuffing like pepperoni and cheese, conch, Danish cheese, and chicken. A variety in which the dough is made from cassava flour is called catib´ıas.

Iraq

Iraq has a traditional “ancestor” to the empanada called simbusak or sambusac, prepared with a basic bread dough and a variety of fillings, baked or fried. The most traditional simbusak is filled with garbanzo beans, onions, and parsley, and shallow fried. Others have meat or cheese (jibun) as a filling.

Mexico

Mexican empanadas are most commonly a dessert or a breakfast item. Sweetened fillings include pumpkin, yams, sweet potato, and cream, as well as a wide variety of fruit fillings. Meat, cheese, and vegetable fillings are not as popular. Particular regions such as Hidalgo are famous for their empanadas.

Peru

Peruvian empanadas are similar to Argentine empanadas, but slightly smaller and eaten with lime juice.

Philippines

Filipino empanadas usually contain a filling flavored with soy sauce and consisting of ground beef or chicken, chopped onion, and raisins in a wheat flour dough. Empanadas in the northern Ilocos region are made of a savory filling of green papaya and, upon request, chopped Ilocano sausage (longganisa) and/or an egg. Rather than the soft, sweet dough favored in the Tagalog region, the dough is thin and crisp, mostly because Ilocano empanada is deep-fried rather than baked.

Portugal

In Portugal, empanadas are a common option for a small meal, found universally in patisseries. They are normally smaller than others, about the size of a golf ball; size and shape vary depending on establishment. The most common fillings are chicken, beef, tuna, codfish, or mushrooms, and vegetables. They are usually served hot.

Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic

Puerto Rican empanadas, called pastelillos, are made of flour dough and fried. Fillings are typically ground beef, chicken, guava, cheese, or both guava and cheese.

Venezuela

Venezuelan empanadas use cornstarch-based dough and are deep-fried. Stuffing varies according to region; most common are cheese and ground beef. Other types use fish, caraotas negras (black beans), oysters, clams, and other types of seafood popular in the coastal areas, especially in Margarita Island.

Milanesas Breaded cutlets brought to South America by Italian immigrants. They are especially

popular in Argentina and Uruguay. Morcilla Dulce Sweet black sausage made from blood, orange peel, and walnuts.

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´ Criollo Hash made with shredded meat and served with fried plantains and black Pabellon

beans on rice (Venezuela). Pachamanca Typical dish from the desert. It consists of lamb, pork, potatoes, sweet potatoes,

and tamales. The food is placed inside a sack and buried in hot rocks to cook. It has to be repeatedly checked to see when it is done because the temperature is unstable. An important part of Peruvian cuisine. Parrillada A selection of meat grilled over hot coals, often including delicacies such as in-

testines, udders, and blood sausages (Argentina and Chile). Postres y Dulces (Desserts and Sweets) Before the arrival of the Portuguese in 1502, South

America Indians did not have sugar. They did have honey and a few fruit and vegetable sweeteners. Most early sweets or desserts were fresh fruit, and fruit-based sweets remain the South Americans’ favorite desserts. Quimbolitos Sweet tamales of Ecuador, served for dessert or as a snack with coffee. Quinoa This ancient seed was a staple of the Incas. It cooks quickly, has a mild flavor, and a slightly crunchy texture. High in the amino acid lysine, it provides a more complete protein than many other cereal grains. It comes in different colors, ranging from pale yellow to red to black. Rinse quinoa before using to remove its bitter natural coating. Couscous, rice, bulgur, millet, buckwheat groats, or amaranth can be substituted. Refrescos (Refreshments) A term used for all cold nonalcoholic beverages, including jugos,

sorbets, licuados, and batidos, all of which are generally made with milk and sometimes ice cream. Rocoto Cultivated pepper in the Andes, with a thick flesh similar to bell pepper. It is a hotter pepper than other ajies. The Mexican manzano pepper, though much hotter, is a good substitute. Rose Water A flavoring used in the preparation of desserts. Brought over by the Spaniards, it

is the extract of roses mixed with distilled water. Shrimp, Dried Tiny shrimp that have been salted and dried, used extensively in Bahian cooking

and some Peruvian specialties. They come in two varieties, head and shell on or peeled. Normally, dried shrimp are ground before using. Tacac´a A thick yellow soup with shrimp and garlic (Brazil). Tamales An important food that has sustained cultures in Central and South America, as well

as the southwestern region of North America for millennia. Tostones Twice-fried slices of plantain that are pounded thin before the second frying.

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G L O S S A RY

Tamales The word tamale comes from tamalli in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. The word for corn tamale in the Inca language (Quechua) is choclotanda, which means “cornbread.” We have no record of which culture actually created it, but the tamale is recorded as early as 5000 B.C., possibly 7000 B.C. in pre-Columbian history. Initially, women were taken along in battle as army cooks to make the masa for the tortillas and the meats, stews, and drinks. As the warring tribes of the Aztec, Mayan, and Incan cultures grew, the demand of readying the nixtamal (corn) itself became so overwhelming a process, a need arose to have a more portable sustaining foodstuff, creating the tamale. No history of the tamale would be complete without discussing the process of “nixtamalization,” which is the processing of field corn with wood ashes (pre-Colombian) or now with cal, or slaked lime. This processing softens the corn for easier grinding and also aids in digestibility and increases the nutrients absorbed by the human body. Nixtamalization dates back to around 1200–1500 B.C. on the southern coast of Guatemala, where kitchens were found equipped with the necessities of nixtamal making. In South America, tamales are found in Andean countries where there is a concentrated Indian population. The Amazonian Indians also make tamales with corn, yuca, or plantains. Each of the Andean countries has a variety of tamales both savory and sweet. They also go by different names depending not only on the country but also on the region. In Venezuela, they are called ayacas or hallacas, bolos, and cachapas; in Colombia tamales, envueltos, hallacas, and bolos; and in Ecuador humitas, tamales, quimobolitos, hallacas, and chiguiles. Peruvians have tamales, humitas, juanes, and chapanas; Bolivians humintas and tamales; Chileans and Argentines humitas; and Brazilians pamonhas. In pre-Columbian times tamales were made only from corn and quinoa. Now they are made from potatoes, yuca, plantains, rice, squash, eggplant, sweet potatoes, and a variety of flours. Fillings usually include cheese, chicken, pork, beef, or fish. Raisins, prunes, hardcooked eggs, hot peppers, almonds, and olives are the traditional garnish. The wrappings were corn husks, banana leaves, fabric, avocado leaves, soft tree bark, and other edible, nontoxic leaves. Tamales were steamed, grilled on the comal (grill) over the fire, or put directly on top of the coals to warm, or they were eaten cold. Superstition has it that a chef must be in a good mood when cooking tamales or they will come out raw.

Vatapa´ A rich puree that can be made with fish, dried shrimp, cod, or chicken. Thought to

have been brought from the Iberian peninsula and modified by African slaves, who added dendˆe (palm oil) and coconut milk. It can be thickened with bread, the Portuguese way of thickening stews, or with rice flour or manioc meal. Groundnuts, peanuts, almonds, or cashews, as well

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as dried shrimp, are essential to the dish. Dendˆe gives the Vatapa´ its characteristic taste and color. Cooks all have their own preparation of this dish (Brazil). Yuca Root Although there are many varieties of yuca root, there are only two main categories:

bitter and sweet. Used as a thickener in the making of tapioca. Bitter yuca root must be cooked to be edible. Yuca Flour Made from the bitter cassava (yuca). Once grated and sun-dried, it is also called yuca root meal. It has a texture similar to that of cornstarch and is used to make breads, cookies, cakes, and tapioca.

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Menus and Recipes from South America M E N U

O N E

Sopa de Palmito: Hearts of Palm Soup (Brazil) Ceviche de Champinones: Mushroom Ceviche (Peru) ˜ Vatapa´ de Galinha: Chicken in Nut and Dried Shrimp Sauce (Brazil) Pirao ˜ de Arroz: Rice Flour Pudding (Brazil) Couve a` Mineira: Shredded Kale Ensalada de Tomate y Cebolla: Tomato and Onion Salad (Chile) Crepas con Salsa de Dulce de Leche: Crepes with Dulce de Leche Sauce M E N U

T W O

Ceviche de Pescado: Fish Ceviche (Peru) Tamales de Espinaca con Queso: Spinach and Cheese Tamales (Argentina) Chifles: Green Plantain Chips Pabellon ´ Criollo: Shredded Beef with Beans, Rice, and Plantains (Venezuela) M E N U

T H R E E

Chupe de Quinua: Quinoa Chowder (Bolivia) Salada de Chuchu: Chayote Salad (Brazil) Patata y Carne de vaca Empanadas: Potato and Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina) Ceviche Mixto: Shellfish Ceviche (Ecuador) Feijoada: Bean Stew with Beef and Pork (Brazil) Cuscuz de Tapioca Molho de Chocolate: Tapioca and Coconut Cake with Chocolate Sauce O T H E R

R E C I P E S

Truchs a` la Parrilla: Grilled Trout (Argentina) Bobo´ de Camarao: ˜ Shrimp with Yuca Sauce Cunap` ˜ es: Yuca Flour Rolls Escabeche de Pescado: Pickled Fish (Bolivia) Aj´ı Colombiano: Colombian Sauce Humitas Ecuatorianas: Ecuadorian Humitas

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Sopa de Palmito Hearts of Palm Soup (Brazi)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 ml

Butter

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Leeks, thinly sliced, white parts and 1 inch (2.5 cm) green, washed well

1 tablespoon

7g

All-purpose flour

1 tablespoon

7g

Cornstarch

1 4

1g

White pepper

teaspoon

14 ounces, 392 g

Hearts of palm

2 cups

16 ounces, 470 ml

Chicken stock

1 cup

8 ounces 235 ml

Milk

To taste

Salt and pepper

For garnish

Sweet paprika or cayenne pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Heat butter over low to medium heat; saute´ leeks 3 minutes; do not color.

4 5 6 7

Puree mixture until smooth.

Add flour, cornstarch, and white pepper; toss to coat. Add hearts of palm and stock; bring to simmer and cook 25 minutes or until hearts of palm are tender. Strain using a small-hole china cap and return to a clean pan. Add milk and bring to boil; reduce to simmer and cook 3 minutes. Correct seasoning and serve with a sprinkling of paprika or cayenne on top.

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RECIPES

Ceviche de Champi˜ nones Mushroom Ceviche (Peru)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Fresh, firm cremini or white button mushrooms, cleaned, dry, quartered or sliced ( 14 inch, .6 cm)

1/3 cup

1 2

ounce, 42 g

Celery,

1/3 cup

1 2

ounce, 42 g

Red onion, 1 inch (2.4 cm) dice, soaked in hot water for 5 minutes and drained

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Salt

1 4

teaspoon

1g

White pepper

1 2

teaspoon

2 ml

Hot pepper sauce

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Dried oregano

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 118 ml

Fresh lime or lemon juice

1 tablespoon

1 2

Olive oil

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Red bell pepper, julienned

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green bell pepper, julienned

ounce, 14 ml

1

˜ seeded, minced Jalapeno,

For garnish

Alfonso or kalamata olives

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Blanch mushrooms in boiling water for 30 seconds and drain well. Combine celery, onion, and blanched mushrooms. Puree, garlic, salt, pepper, hot sauce, oregano, lime juice, and olive oil until well mixed. Toss with mushroom mixture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for 2 hours. ˜ Drain well and toss with bell peppers and jalapeno. Garnish with black olives.

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Vatap´a de Galinha Chicken in Nut and Dried Shrimp Sauce (Brazil) SERVES 4

This classic Bahia dish is considered to be one of the best representations of Afro-Brazilian cuisine. The Portuguese thicken their soups and stews with bread, rice flour, or manioc meal. Groundnuts, dried shrimp, and dendeˆ give the vatapa´ its characteristic taste and color. Vatap´a can be made with fish, shrimp, dried cod, or chicken. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

1 tablespoon

1 ounce, 28 g

Fresh ginger, peeled, minced

1 tablespoon

1 2

Serrano pepper or to taste

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Tomato, peeled, chopped, seeded,

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green bell pepper, deveined and seeded,

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Cilantro, leaves only, chopped

3 tablespoons

1 2

Dendeˆ oil

1

2 12

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

1 2

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

ounce, 14 g

ounce, 45 ml pounds, 1.13 kg

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice 1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Chicken, cut into eight pieces, skinned and patted dry

teaspoon

3g

Freshly ground black pepper

1 2

cup

1 2

Bread, day-old,

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Water

cup

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Dried peeled shrimp, ground

cup

1 2

ounces, 42 g

Peanuts, almonds, or cashews, toasted and ground

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Fresh lime juice

3 4

14 ounces, 420 ml

1 4 1 2

cup

To taste

ounce, 14 g

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) cubes

Unsweetened coconut milk Salt and black pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Puree first seven ingredients until smooth. Heat dendeˆ oil over medium heat, add puree and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to sauce and toss to coat; bring to simmer.

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RECIPES

Vatapá de Galinha – Chicken in Nut and Dried Shrimp Sauce, Ensalada de Tomate y Cebolla – Tomato and Onion Salad, Couve à Mineira – Shredded Kale

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5 6 7 8

Cover and cook, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove chicken, cut meat into pieces.

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) wide by 1 12 inch (3.8 cm) long boneless

Return to sauce with all remaining ingredients; simmer until sauce thickens. ˜ de Arroz (recipe follows). Correct seasoning and serve with Pirao

Pir˜ ao de Arroz Rice Flour Pudding (Brazil)

SERVES 4–6

Pir˜aos are very thick, savory porridges or mushes, like polenta but of African origin. They may be served either hot or at room temperature. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 4

3 31 ounces, 95 g

Rice flour

cup

1 teaspoon 4 cups

Salt 32 ounces, 1 liter

Unsweetened coconut milk

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Scald 3 cups (24 ounces, 720 ml) coconut milk over medium heat.

4 5

Fill lightly oiled molds, let cool to room temperature.

Mix remaining milk with the rice flour and salt. Add flour mixture and stir until mixture is smooth, reduce heat to medium low and cook stirring often until mixture is very thick and smooth, 15 to 20 minutes. Refrigerate until firm, 2 to 3 hours, unmold, and serve.

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RECIPES

Couve a` Mineira Shredded Kale

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 pounds

907 g

Fresh kale,

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil or bacon fat

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Onions,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1

Garlic clove, minced

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Trim blemishes and tough stems from kale leaves. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

4

Add kale and cook about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until kale is softened but not discolored or browned. Season to taste.

Layer leaves on top of each other, and slice crosswise into very thin strips. Heat oil over medium high heat; add onion and garlic and cook 3 to 5 minutes until softened.

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Ensalada de Tomate y Cebolla Tomato and Onion Salad (Chile)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Sweet onion, julienned

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Tomatoes, firm, peeled, sliced

1 tablespoon

3g

Fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon

1 2

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

To taste

ounce, 15 ml

Fresh lemon juice Olive oil Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Soak onion in cold water to cover 20 minutes; drain and rinse well. Drain and rinse the onions, squeeze, and drain well again. Combine all ingredients, toss, and correct seasoning.

1 4

inch (.6 cm) thick

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RECIPES

Crepas con Salsa de Dulce de Leche Crepes with Dulce De Leche Sauce

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Dulce de leche sauce

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Heavy cream

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Rum

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Pistachios, chopped

1 ounce, 28 g

Butter

8 1 2

Crepes, cooked

2 tablespoons

PROCEDURE

1 2

Add heavy cream to sauce and return to simmer; stir in rum. Place crepe brown-side down, spread 1 tablespoon ( 21 ounce, 15 ml) sauce over half, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon pistachios.

3 4

Fold in half, then fold in half again; set aside. Repeat with remaining crepes.

5

Serve two crepes; top with additional sauce and chopped nuts.

Arrange crepes in a lightly buttered ovenproof pan and cover. Bake for 10 minutes in a 375◦ F (190◦ C) oven.

Dulce de Leche Sauce

YIELD: 1 CUP (8 OUNCES, 240 ML)

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 quart

32 ounces, 960 ml

Milk

1 4

cups

9 ounces, 252 g

Granulated sugar

1 4

teaspoon

1 teaspoon

Baking soda Vanilla extract

PROCEDURE

1 2

Over medium high heat, combine milk, sugar, and baking soda. Bring to a boil.

3

Stir in vanilla extract.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally. As it begins to thicken, stir periodically and cook until caramel-colored and very thick (caramel sauce), about 1 hour.

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Ceviche de Pescado Fish Ceviche

SERVES 4

Fish must be extremely fresh. The classic fish for this dish is corvina in Ecuador and tuna in Peru, but any white-fleshed fish, such as sea bass, flounder, red snapper, tilapia, or sole, may be used. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces

336 g

White-fleshed lean fish fillets, cut and 1 inch (2.4 cm) long

1 4

inch (.6 cm) thick

Marinade 1 2

cup

4 ounces, 118 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 59 ml

Fresh lime juice

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 118 ml

Fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon

1 2

Olive oil

1 2

3g

teaspoon

ounce, 14 ml

Salt

1

Garlic clove, minced

1

Ali Amarillo (yellow Peruvian chile), seeded and minced, or canned aji or serrano chile

To taste

Hot pepper sauce

1 teaspoon

1g

Parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon

1g

Cilantro, chopped

1 3

1 12

cup

ounces, 42 g

Green onions (white part and 1 inch of green), minced

Garnish 4

Bib, romaine, or green leaf lettuce leaves

2

Corn ears, cut into 2 inch (4.8 cm) pieces 1 2

8 ounces

224 g

Sweet potatoes, roasted in the skin, peeled, cm) thick rounds

inch (1.2

8 ounces

224 g

Yuca, peeled, cut into batonnets, boiled soft, cooled

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RECIPES

PROCEDURE

1 2

Soak the fish for 1 hour in lightly salted water; drain and rise well.

3 4

Add all remaining marinade ingredients and correct seasoning.

Combine the citrus juices, salt, garlic, chile, and fish; mix well, cover, and let marinate in refrigerator until it is “cooked” (milky white throughout), 3 to 6 hours. Start checking at 3 hours. To serve, line serving platter with lettuce. Place ceviche in center and display garnish around.

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Tamales de Espinaca con Queso Spinach and Cheese Tamales YIELD: ABOUT 12, DEPENDING ON SIZE OF CORN HUSKS

Basic Tamales AMOUNT

MEASURE

12

INGREDIENT

Dried corn husks

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Lard or vegetable shortening

2/3 cup

6 ounces, 176 ml

Chicken stock or water

3 cups

18 ounces, 504 g

Masa harina or fresh masa (1 12 pounds)

2 teaspoons

10 g

Salt

1 teaspoon

4g

Baking powder

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Place corn husks in warm water to cover and soak 2 hours. Remove, drain, and pat dry.

4

Move masa harina mixture to mixer and beat lard into the dough, a little at a time, until the dough is light and fluffy. Test for lightness by pinching off a small piece and dropping into a glass of cold water. It should float when ready; if not, continue to beat and test again. The lighter the dough, the better; it results in moist and fluffy tamales. It is impossible to overmix this dough.

Beat the lard by hand or in mixer until soft and light. Gradually add stock to the masa harina and knead until the dough is no longer sticky. Add salt and baking powder.

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RECIPES

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Spinach and Cheese Filling YIELD: ABOUT 12, DEPENDING ON SIZE OF CORN HUSKS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

tablespoon

3 4

Vegetable oil

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

4 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Fresh spinach, or 8 ounces frozen chopped

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Adobera, Asadero, or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

ounce, 21 ml

To taste

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice 1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Heat oil and saute´ onions until translucent. Add tomatoes and cook until almost dry. Add spinach and wilt. Let cool and mix well with cheese. Adjust seasoning. Combine spinach and cheese filling with Basic Tamales (masa harina mixture); mix well and check seasoning again. T O M A K E TA M A L E S

1

Place an unbroken corn husk on a work surface in front of you with the small tapering end of the husk facing you.

2

Using a spatula or masa spreader, spread approximately 41 cup of dough onto the husk, leaving a border of at least 1 12 inches of husk at the tapered end.

3 4 5 6

Fold the two long sides of the corn husk in over the corn mixture.

7

Cover and steam, checking water level frequently and replenishing with boiling water as needed, until tamales easily come free from husks, about 1 hour for tamales made with fresh masa or 1 14 to 1 12 hours if made with masa harina mixture.

Fold the tapered end up, leaving the top open. Secure the tamale by tying with a strip of husk or a string. Line the steamer with husks. Stand the tamales up in a row around the edge of the steamer.

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RECIPES

Chifles AMOUNT

Green Plantain Chips MEASURE

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

2

Green plantains

As needed

Peanut oil for frying

To taste

Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Peel plantains by trimming both ends with a sharp knife, cutting incisions along the natural ridges and then pulling away the skin. Cut into very thin slices and place in ice-cold water for 15 minutes (this helps keep them crisp). Drain well and dry on paper towels.

2

Heat oil to 375◦ F (190◦ C) or until a cube of dried bread added to the oil floats and turns golden after 1 minute.

3 4

Fry in batches, until golden, about 2 minutes. Drain well on paper towels. Season with salt and serve when cool.

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Pabell´on Criollo Shredded Beef with Beans, Rice, and Plantains (Venezuela) SERVES 4

´ means “flag,” and the finished dish resembles a Venezuelan flag. Pabellon

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 12 pounds

672 g

Flank steak; cut in 3 or 4 pieces

1

Bay leaf

1 quart

32 ounces, 960 ml

Beef stock; to cover

2 tablespoons

1 ounces, 30 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112

Onion,

2

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves; minced

1 12 1 2

1 4

cups

9 ounces, 252 g

teaspoon

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

inch (.6 cm) dice

Cumin seeds; crushed

1 teaspoon

Oregano

To taste

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons

1 4

1 ounce, 40 ml

Vegetable oil

4 cups

Arroz blanco (see recipe on page 31)

4 cups

Caraotas negras (see recipe on page 41 for Frijoles de Olla; use black beans)

1

Plantain (use ripe plantains with black skins for this dish; green plantains will be too dry). Cut into 2 inch (5 cm), pieces

As needed

Vegetable oil for frying plantain

PROCEDURE

1

Combine flank steak, bay leaf, and stock, bring to simmer, and cook 1 to 1 12 hours until very tender.

2 3 4 5

Cool in stock. When cool, shred meat and set aside. Heat olive oil over medium high heat; add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook until almost dry. Add shredded beef; cook 5 minutes and correct seasoning.

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6

Heat vegetable oil over medium heat and saute´ plantains until they are browned all over. Drain on paper towels.

7

To assemble the “flag,” arrange beef, rice, and beans on a rectangular platter in three rows with the rice in the center. Garnish with chifles.

In some recipes, fried eggs are placed on top of the meat—one per person.

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Chupe de Quinua

Quinoa Chowder

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 60 ml

Butter

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

2

INGREDIENT

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, chopped

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Pepper, freshly ground

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Cumin, ground

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Sweet paprika

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Hot chicken or vegetable stock

1 2

cup

9 ounces, 252 g

Quinoa, cooked

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

All-purpose potatoes, peeled, cooked, 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Milk

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Fava beans or peas, blanched and peeled

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Manchego: or Cheddar cheese, shredded

2

Large eggs, beaten

To taste

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon

3g

Fresh mint, chopped

1 tablespoon

3g

Fresh cilantro, chopped

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Avocado, peeled, pitted

cup

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Heat butter over low heat, add onions, and cook for 10 minutes without coloring.

6 7

Add cheese and eggs, stirring constantly, until cheese has melted and eggs have set.

Make a paste with garlic, salt, and pepper. Add garlic paste, cumin, and paprika to onions; cook 1 minute. Add stock, quinoa, and potatoes; simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add milk, corn, and beans; simmer until tender, 5 minutes. Do not boil after adding the milk. Adjust the consistency with more hot stock if necessary. Correct seasoning and serve hot, garnished with mint, cilantro, and avocado.

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RECIPES

Salada de Chuchu Chayote Salad (Brazil) AMOUNT

MEASURE

2

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Preserved malagueta peppers, minced, or 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1 teaspoon

3g

Salt

1 2

2 ounces

White onions, minced

cup

1 1 tablespoon

Garlic clove, minced 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

To taste

Lemon juice, fresh Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Chayote, peeled, seeded,

4

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slices

Romaine or green leaf lettuce leaves

PROCEDURE

1

In a mortar and pestle, blender, or food processor, combine the peppers and salt; process to a paste.

2 3 4 5 6

Gradually add onions and garlic and process to a paste. Add lemon juice and oil to make dressing, correct seasoning. Cook chayote in boiling salted water until just tender. Drain and toss with half the dressing, cool. Arrange on lettuce leaf and drizzle with remaining dressing.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Patata y Carne de vaca Empanadas Potato and Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina)

SERVES 4–6

Dough YIELD: 20–24 ROUNDS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 teaspoons

6g

Salt

3 4

6 ounces, 180 ml

Warm water

18 ounces, 510 g

All purpose flour

cup

4 12

cups

1 4

teaspoon

3 4

cup

Paprika 6 ounces, 170 g

Lard or vegetable shortening

PROCEDURE

1 2

Dissolve salt in warm water.

3

Add salted water until mixture forms a ball. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky.

4

Shape dough into a ball; knead vigorously for 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface or until smooth and elastic. Reshape into a ball, refrigerate to let rest covered for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2 hours).

5

Roll dough to 1/8 inch (.3 cm) thickness on lightly floured surface and cut into 5-inch (12 cm) rounds. Stack rounds and cover to prevent drying.

Sift together flour and paprika. Add lard or vegetable shortening, blend fat and flour to a fine meal.

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RECIPES

Salada de Chuchu – Chayote Salad, Patata y Carne de vaca Empanadas – Potato & Beef Empanadas

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Filling AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 tablespoons

1 12 ounce, 45 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion, minced

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red bell pepper, cored, seeded,

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Red pepper flakes

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Paprika

1 2

teaspoon

2g

White pepper

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Ground cumin

6 ounces, 168 g

Beef shoulder, minced

1 cup To taste

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and pepper

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Potato, russet, peeled, and cooled

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Raisins

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green Spanish olives, pitted,

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onions, white part and 1 inch green, finely chopped

1

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice, boiled, drained,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Hard-boiled egg, peeled and chopped

PROCEDURE

1

Heat oil over medium heat and add onion, bell pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, white pepper, and cumin, cook 6 to 7 minutes or until onions are soft.

2 3 4

Add beef and cook, stirring, until meat is brown and cooked.

5 6 7

Correct seasoning.

Correct seasoning; set aside to cool. To cooled meat mixture, add cooked potatoes, raisins, olives, green onions, and egg; combine well. Preheat oven to 400◦ F (204◦ C). To assemble empanadas, place about 3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold over and press the edges firmly to seal, starting from the middle and working out to the edges. Curve the ends of the empanada to form a crescent. To make the ‘‘rope’’

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RECIPES

around edge, pinch 12 inch of one corner edge between your thumb and index finger and fold edge over onto itself. Pinch and pull another 12 inch of the edge and fold again, making a rough triangle over the first fold. Repeat this folding around edge, pressing each fold tight.

8 9

Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm with chimichurri sauce.

Chimichurri Sauce SERVES 4–6

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Olive oil

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Lemon juice, fresh

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Sherry or red wine vinegar

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion; finely minced

1 tablespoon

6g

Garlic, finely minced

1 2

1 ounce, 28 g

Flat-leaf parsley; chopped

3g

Fresh oregano leaves, chopped

cup

1 tablespoon 1 2

teaspoon

1 21

teaspoons

1 teaspoon

Dried red chile pepper Salt Black pepper, freshly ground

PROCEDURE

1

Combine all ingredients; rest for at least 2 hours. This is best if prepared overnight. The parsley may be added just before serving to preserve the color.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Ceviche Mixto Shellfish Ceviche

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 quart

32 ounces, 938 ml

Water

1

Green onion, white part and 1 inch green, sliced

12 ounces

340 g

Shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined

6 ounces

168 g

Scallops, rinsed

1 4

cup

12 ounces

2 ounces, 60 ml

Dry white wine

340 g

Mussels, scrubbed and debearded

12

Baby clams Marinade (recipe follows) Garnishes (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Bring water and green onion to boil; let simmer 5 minutes. Add shrimp, remove from heat, and let stand 1 minute or until shrimp are just cooked. Remove from hot water (reserving the cooking liquid) and cool shrimp so they do not become rubbery.

2

Return cooking liquid to boil, add scallops, remove from heat, and let stand for 3 minutes, depending on size. Cut a scallop in half to see if it is cooked through (it should be milky white in the center). Drain and rinse under cold running water.

3

Bring wine, mussels, and clams to a boil over high heat. Cover and let cook until the shells are open, 3 to 5 minutes. Discard any clams or mussels that do not open. Remove clams and mussels from shells and discard shells. Cool shellfish.

4 5 6

Combine cooked shellfish with marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

7

Serve with the side dishes.

Before serving, check seasoning for salt, sugar, and hot pepper sauce. Divide seafood equally between four serving containers. Garnish each in the center with 1 teaspoon each chopped tomato, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and parsley.

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Marinade AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fresh lime juice

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Fresh orange juice

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Fish or chicken stock

1 tablespoon

1 2

Olive oil

1 2

teaspoon

3g

Sugar

1 2

teaspoon

3g

Salt

1 4

teaspoon

2g

Black pepper, freshly ground

ounce, 14 ml

To taste

Hot pepper sauce

PROCEDURE

1

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Garnishes AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green bell pepper, seeded,

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

White onion,

2 tablespoons

6g

Cilantro, leaves only, minced

2 tablespoons

6g

Parsley, minced

SIDE DISHES

Popcorn Tostado (corn nuts)

1 8

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice 1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

inch (.3 cm) dice, rinsed with hot water, and drained

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SOUTH AMERICA

Feijoada

Bean Stew with Beef and Pork (Brazil) SERVES 4–6

Reputedly introduced in Brazil by black slaves as early as the sixteenth century, feijoada—a bean potpourri type dish—is the Brazilian equivalent of American “soul food.” It is considered the Brazilian national dish. In uma feijoada legitima, the real feijoada, every part of the pig is used: ears, tail, and snout. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Dried black beans, washed and sorted, soaked overnight, or 2 cups cooked black beans

1 piece

5 ounces, 140 g

Ham hock, smoked, 1 inch (2.4 cm) dice

1

Pork foot, ear, tail, tongue (optional) 1 2

1 cup

5 ounces, 140 g

Chorizo, pepperoni, or Brazilian linguica, ¨ (1.2 cm) dice

1 2

3 ounces, 84 g

Lean Canadian bacon or Brazilian carne seca, cut 12 inch (1.2 cm) dice

4 ounces

112 g

Smoked pork or beef ribs

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Lean pork, 1 inch (2.4 cm) dice

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Lean beef, 1 inch (2.4 cm) dice

1 tablespoon

1 2

Olive oil

1 ounce

56 g

cup

1 cup

ounce, 15 ml

4 ounces, 112 g

2 1 tablespoon

Smoked bacon, Onion,

1 2

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sherry vinegar

1

Bay leaf

To taste

Salt and pepper

To taste

Hot sauce

4 cups

Arroz blanco (see recipe on page 31)

2 cups

Couve a` Mineira (see recipe on page 77)

inch

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PROCEDURE

1

Place the beans in a large saucepot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and turn the heat down to simmer. Simmer until soft.

2

Combine ham hock, pork parts, chorizo, Canadian bacon, ribs, lean pork, and beef in saucepot; Add cold water just to cover; bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes or until meat is cooked.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Strain meat and retain liquid. Heat oil over medium high heat and render diced bacon. Add onion, garlic, and vinegar; cook until onions are caramelized. Add

1 2

cup cooked black beans to onion mixture and mash together.

Add bay leaf and fry for two minutes remove bay leaf. Combine cooked beans, onion mixture, and cooked meats. Add one cup or more retained liquid from meat. Cook meat and beans together, adding liquid as needed, until meat is tender. Correct seasoning and hot sauce. Serve over rice with Couve a` Mineira.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Cuscuz de Tapioca Molho de Chocolate Tapioca and Coconut Cake with Chocolate Sauce

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Unsweetened coconut milk

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Milk

1 2

cup

3 12

Sugar

1 2

teaspoon

ounces, 98 g

Salt

1 cup

2 12 ounces, 42 g

Coconut, grated

1 cup

5 12 ounces, 154 g

Quick-cooking tapioca

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5 6

Over medium-high heat, combine coconut milk, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir to dissolve sugar and bring to a boil. Combine tapioca and coconut. Add tapioca mixture to milk mixture and simmer until tapioca is clear, 2 minutes. Pour into molds or serving containers; let set up. Serve with chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 34 cups

14 ounce, 420 ml

Sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons

3 4

ounce, 21 g

Unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Unsalted butter

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Water

Pinch

Salt

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine all ingredients over low heat; cook, stirring, until smooth and hot. Let cool to room temperature.

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RECIPES

Truchas a` la Parrilla Grilled Trout

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4

8 ounce, 224 g

Pan-dressed trout

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons

6g

Salt

1 teaspoon

3g

Black pepper, freshly ground

1 teaspoon

3g

Ground cumin

2 1 cup

Garlic cloves, minced 8 ounces, 240 ml

Unsalted butter, melted

PROCEDURE

1 2

Make 3 deep incisions in both sides of each trout.

3

Grill trout on a oiled perforated grill rack over low heat, basting frequently with melted butter, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.

4

Serve with rice and a salad.

Combine lemon juice, lime juice, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic and coat the trout with it, making sure it gets into the incisions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Bob´o de Camar˜ ao Shrimp with Yuca Sauce

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

16–20 ct shrimp, unpeeled

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lime juice

1 12

9 ounces, 252 g

Yuca, fresh or frozen, peeled, cut

cups

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Water

1 tablespoon

1 2

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Dendeˆ or palm oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onions,

ounce, 15 ml

3 1 2 1 2

1 4

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced cup cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green bell pepper, seeded, 1 4

1 4

2 ounces, 56 g

Red bell pepper, seeded,

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

2 tablespoons

6g

Parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons

6g

Cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons

1 2

Fresh ginger, peeled, grated

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Salt

1 2

teaspoon

2g

White pepper

8 ounces, 240 ml

Unsweetened coconut milk,

1 cup

ounce, 14 g

To taste

inch (.6 cm) dice

inch (.6 cm) dice 1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce

PROCEDURE

1 2

Peel and devein shrimp, reserving the shells; rinse and toss with lime juice.

3

Bring shrimp stock to boil and add yuca, and if necessary enough boiling water to cover. Cook over low heat until tender, about 20 minutes.

4 5

Drain and reserve liquid.

6

Heat oil and dendeˆ over medium heat; add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes.

Add water just to cover shrimp shells. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Strain the broth and discard the shells.

Mash yuca with potato masher or fork, add enough cooking liquid to make a coarse puree (it should not be smooth).

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7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Add garlic, green and red bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley, cilantro, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook to reduce to a saucelike consistency, 10 minutes. Add coconut milk and cook 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook 1 minute. Add yuca puree; cook 1 minute. Correct seasoning with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add cooking liquid as needed to reach the consistency of heavy cream. Serve with white rice.

Cu˜ nap`es

Yuca Flour Rolls

YIELD: 24 ROLLS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 4

cup, more if necessary

5 ounces, 140 g

Yuca flour

3 4

teaspoon

2g

Baking powder

2 1 21

Medium eggs cups

6 ounces, 170 g

As needed

Queso fresco, crumbled Milk

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5 6

Sift flour and baking powder until well mixed. Add eggs and cheese; mix—preferably with a food processor—until a dough is formed. If dough is too dry, add a little milk. Shape dough and let rest for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375◦ F (190◦ C). Bake rolls until lightly colored, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Escabeche de Pescado Pickled Fish

SERVES 4

The most commonly used fish for escabeche is tuna, corvina, red snapper, trout, and catfish. This escabeche can be served warm or at room temperature. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Firm white-fish fillets, lean flesh, skinless, all bones removed

1 tablespoon

1 2

Fresh lemon juice

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Salt

1 4

teaspoon

1g

Black pepper, freshly ground

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red onions, julienne

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Red bell pepper, julienne

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green bell pepper, julienne

ounce, 14 ml

Garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

1

Capers, washed and drained Bouquet garni (1 sprig fresh thyme, 2 sprigs fresh parsley, 1 bay leaf, 14 teaspoon black peppercorns, tied up in cheesecloth)

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Dry white wine

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Sherry vinegar

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fish or chicken stock Lettuce leaves for garnish

PROCEDURE

1

Rub fish with lemon juice and half the salt and black pepper. Let marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour. Cut into 1 inch (2.4 cm) by 2 inch (4.8 cm) pieces and set aside.

2

Heat oil over medium heat; saute´ onion, bell peppers, and garlic for 5 minutes or until soft.

3

Add capers and remaining salt and pepper, bouquet garni, wine, vinegar, and stock; bring to simmer.

4

Add fish, baste with sauce, cover, and simmer until opaque in center, 2 to 4 minutes or less. Do not overcook.

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5 6 7 8

Discard bouquet garni and correct seasoning. Transfer fish to clean container; pour sauce over and let cool. Before serving, refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or overnight. Arrange on lettuce leaves to serve.

Aj´ı Colombiano Colombian Sauce

YIELD: 2 CUPS

Aj´ı is as important to Colombians as chimichurri is to Argentines AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

1 2 1 4

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red onion,

cup

1 2

Cilantro, stemmed, chopped

ounce, 14 g

3

inch (.6 cm) dice

inch (.6 cm) dice

Hard-cooked egg whites, chopped

1 tablespoons

3g

Fresh chives, chopped

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Olive oil

cup

1 teaspoon 1 4

1 4

cup

1 tablespoon To taste

Tabasco sauce 2 ounces, 60 ml 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

White wine vinegar Fresh lime juice Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine green onions, tomatoes, and red onions. Stir to blend. Add the cilantro, egg whites, and chives. Stir to blend. Gradually stir in the olive oil. Add the Tabasco, vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend.

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SOUTH AMERICA

Humitas Ecuatorianas Ecuadorian Humitas YIELD: ABOUT 12, DEPENDING ON SIZE OF CORN HUSKS

Humitas are the South American cousin of tamale. Made with grated tender corn, the dough is wrapped and tied in corn husks, which are then steamed. Humitas can be found throughout the Andes from Ecuador down to Argentina. Each country has its own version.

Chef Tip

Ecuadorian cooks place a coin in the bottom of the pot before adding the steamer filled

with humitas. The coin vibrates noisily on the bottom of the pot as the water simmers. The coin stops making noise when all the water has evaporated. This tells the cook that additional boiling water is needed. AMOUNT

MEASURE

12

INGREDIENT

Corn husks

4 cups

20 ounces, 560 g

Corn kernels

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Onion,

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Butter, melted or vegetable oil

3 1 2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Large eggs, separated cup (approximately)

3 ounces, 84 g

Cornmeal

1 teaspoon

4g

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

8g

Salt

1 teaspoon

8g

Sugar

1 12

6 ounces, 168 g

Chihuahua, mozzarella, or Muenster cheese, shredded

cups

Kitchen twine, cut into twelve 15 inch lengths 2 cups

16 ounces, 469 ml

Water Aji Criollo (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

If using dried corn husks, soak them in water for at least 2 hours. Separate them one by one and stack them ready for use. If using fresh, blanch in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes to make pliable; remove, drain, and cool.

2

Puree corn kernels and onion until finely ground.

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3

Add butter, egg yolks, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cheese to corn and onion mixture. Pulse until well incorporated and smooth. The mixture should not be runny; add more cornmeal if necessary.

4 5

Whip egg whites to soft peaks and fold into mixture.

6

Set up a steamer in a large saucepot with an elevated bottom and tight-fitting lid. Add water to reach just under the elevated bottom. Place humitas on the elevated bottom, standing up or laying down. Cover with any leftover husks and place the cover on the steamer. Steam until the humitas feel firm to the touch, about 30 minutes if small, 45 minutes if large. Add more water if needed.

7

To serve, remove the twine and place on a plate with the husks open to expose the humitas. Serve aji criollo on the side.

ASSEMBLY: Dry corn husks and place 2 overlapping; place 12 cup (3 ounces, 84 g) corn batter on the lower half of the husks. Fold the two long sides of the corn husk in over the corn mixture. Fold the tapered end up, leaving the top open. Secure the tamale by tying with a strip of husk or a string.

Aji Criollo

Creole Hot Pepper Salsa

YIELD: 3/4 CUP

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

˜ peppers, Red or green serranos, or jalapenos seeded and minced (1/8 inch, 3 cm)

4 6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 90 ml

Water

1 2

teaspoon

3g

Salt

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onion, white part only, minced

6g

Cilantro or parsley leaves, minced

2 tablespoons

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine peppers, 2 tablespoons water, and salt. Puree in blender. Combine puree with green onion, cilantro and remaining water and mix well. This is best served the same day it’s made.

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The Caribbean The Land The West Indian archipelago forms a massive breakwater 2,000 miles long consisting of thousands of islands and reefs that protect the Caribbean Sea against the Atlantic Ocean. This barrier provides the Caribbean its calm and clear waters. This area is known by a variety of names. The earliest name, and the one most frequently used, is West Indies. Christopher Columbus gave the region that name erroneously when he arrived in 1492. He thought that he had circumnavigated the earth and that the islands were off the coast of India. Spain and France called the islands the Antilles, after the mythological Atlantic island of Antilia. The larger islands (Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) came to be known as the Greater Antilles, while the remaining smaller islands were called the Lesser Antilles. Today the area is broken into four island chains: the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the eastern and southern islands of the Lesser Antilles. Together, these islands cover more than 91,000 square miles of land area. The northernmost island chain is the Bahamas, which include 29 inhabited islands and nearly 3,000 islets stretching southeastward from Florida. Most of them are flat islands formed from coral and limestone. The Greater Antilles is the largest and westernmost chain. It includes Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. The four main islands comprise nine-tenths of the entire land area of the West Indies. Cuba alone has almost half this area. The main island of Cuba

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H I S TO RY

covers 40,543 square miles. Much of the landmass of the Greater Antilles is formed by a partially submerged mountain range, which forms the Sierra Maestras and Sierra de Nipe on Cuba, the Blue Mountains on Jamaica, the Cordillera Central on Hispaniola, and the mountainous core of Puerto Rico farther to the east. The western three-fourths of the island ´ is a vast limestone platform similar to the limestone platforms of Florida and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The third island chain includes the eastern islands of the Lesser Antilles, which curve north from the coast of Venezuela toward Puerto Rico. The islands along this arc fall into two distinct geographic groups. Some islands formed as a result of volcanic activity, while others emerged from the ocean as low-lying coral islands. Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, the western half of Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Nevis, Saint Kitts, and the Virgin Islands are mountainous with rims of coastal plain. There are many active volcanoes in the ´ on Martinique and Soufriere ` on Saint Vincent. The West Indies, including Montagne Pelee ` Hills volcano on Montserrat erupted during the mid-1990s, destroying the island’s Soufriere capital of Plymouth. The islands of Barbados, Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, and the eastern half of Guadeloupe generally have low elevations and more level terrain. The fourth island chain, the southern islands of the Lesser Antilles, follows the coast of Venezuela, from Lake Maracaibo to the mouth of the Orinoco River. These islands are extreme northeastern extensions of the Andes Mountains and have complex geologic structures. They include Aruba, Bonaire, Curac¸ao, Margarita, and Trinidad and Tobago. One of the smallest inhabited islands is Saba, part of the Netherlands Antilles. A volcanic cone, Saba towers 2,854 feet above the ocean. Its capital, the Bottom, is built at the bottom of the extinct crater—the only patch of level land on the island. Many smaller uninhabited coral islets are found in the region.

History The English word Caribbean, its Spanish equivalent Caribe, and its French version Cara¨ıbe comes from the name of an Indian tribe that, in pre-Columbian time, inhabited the northwest portion of South America, Central America, and the southeast islands of the region now known as the Caribbean Basin. The Carib people left their name behind as a symbol of the region they inhabited. On land, they lived in small settlements, farmed and fished, and hunted game with blowguns and bows and arrows and were noted for their ferocity. However the most dominant culture was that of the Tainos or Arawack. These people practiced a highly productive form of agriculture and had an advanced social and material culture. The arrival of Christopher Columbus was the beginning of the end of the indigenous people of the Caribbean and beginning of the European conquest and domination. The

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Caribbean became the most precious jewel in the crown of Spain. They began to settle the Greater Antilles soon after Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas in 1492. For the Arawak/Tainos, the Spanish conquest was disaster. Aside of the pressure exerted on them through the destruction of social structures and the disruption of their food supply the Arawaks had to face European diseases for which they were not immunologically prepared. Spanish control of the region was not undisputed, and other European colonial powers constantly challenged it. The British, French, and Dutch encouraged and at times even licensed their citizens to attack Spanish merchant ships, fleets, and ports. They harassed the Spaniards with some success for nearly two hundred years, most intensively between the mid-1500s and mid-1600s. The history of the years of massive colonial prosperity of the West Indies, especially in Jamaica (English rule) and St. Domingue (French rule, today Haiti) is centered around the economics of sugarcane production. When the Arawak population disappeared, the lack of manpower resulted in the introduction of African slaves. The flow of slaves to the West Indies was at first a trickle but became a flood in the eighteenth century. At that time, an increase of the demand for sugar in Europe triggered the astronomic growth of production by the West Indian sugar plantations. According to some historians the estimated number of people uprooted from Africa varies between sixty and one hundred million. Though many died during the Middle Passage, many also survived. And, after nearly three hundred years of struggle, the people of African descent became the inheritors of the lands of the Caribbean. Politically the islands of the West Indies are made up of thirteen independent nations and a number of colonial dependencies, territories, and possessions. The Republic of Cuba, consisting of the island of Cuba and several nearby islands, is the largest West Indian nation. Haiti and the Dominican Republic, two other independent nations, occupy Hispaniola, the second largest island in the archipelago. Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda are the other sovereign nations. Rule over nearly all the other West Indies islands is distributed among the United States, France, the Netherlands, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. Puerto Rico, the fourth largest island of the archipelago, is a U.S. commonwealth and several of the Virgin Islands are United States territories. The French West Indies includes Martinique, Guadeloupe, and a number of smaller dependencies of Guadeloupe. Martinique and Guadeloupe and its dependencies are overseas departments of France. The Dutch possessions consist of the Netherlands Antilles (Curac¸ao and Bonaire), Aruba, and smaller Lesser Antilles islands. Venezuela controls about seventy Lesser Antilles islands, including Margarita Island. Dependencies of the United Kingdom are Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, and some of the Virgin Islands.

Grand Cayman

C

G R

a

r

i

JAMAICA

Cayman Brac

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Little Cayman

San Salvador

b

b

a

n

S

a

Curacao Bonaire

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES

L E S S E R

AR

D

A

N

T

RD ISLANDS BARBADOS Grenadines

St. Vincent

Trinidad

TRINIDAD Tobago AND TOBAGO

GRENADA

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

ST. LUCIA

MARTINIQUE

DOMINICA

WA

ARUBA

e

EW

IL VIRGIN ISLANDS Anegada I S L A L Tortola (U.S. & UK.) N Virgin Gorda E D St. Thomas S St. John ANGUILLA St. Martin St. Barthelemy ANTIGUA Saba St. Croix St. Eustatius AND ST. KITTS AND NEVIS BARBUDA MONTSERRAT Grande – Terre Basse –Terre Maria – GUADELOUPE Galante

L E S S E R LE

O C E A N

W

D IN

E S A N T I L L

PUERTO RICO

A N T I L L E S

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Turk Islands

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Caicos Islands

S

The Caribbean

e

E A T E R

HAITI

Great Inagua

Acklins Little Inagua

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Cat Island

THE BAHAMAS

Great Rum Cay Samana Exuma Cay Long Island Crooked Island Long Cay Mayaguana

New Providence

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Andros

Eleuthera

Abaco

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The People The roots of the vast majority of Caribbean island people can be traced to Europe, Africa, and Asia. During the seventeenth century the English, Dutch, and French joined the Spanish in settling and exploring the Caribbean islands. At first, the English and French met their needs for labor by bringing Europeans to the islands as indentured servants, individuals who agreed to work for a specific number of years in exchange for passage to the colonies, food, and shelter. Eventually, all the colonizing countries imported slaves from Africa to provide labor. The number of slaves increased dramatically after the sugar plantations were established in the seventeenth century, making slavery the dominant economic institution on many islands. The African people soon became the majority on most of the islands. Their culture and customs influence much of the religious worship, artistic expression, rhythmic dancing, singing, and even ways of thinking in the Caribbean. Spiritual practices such as Junkanoo in the Bahamas, Santeria in Cuba, Voodun in Haiti, and Rastafari in Jamaica are Africaninfluenced movements that have Caribbean origin and a worldwide following. Reggae music and jerk cooking are also Africa-inspired contributions to the world from the Caribbean. After the abolition of slave trade in the British West Indies during the early nineteenth century, Asian workers arrived in Cuba and Jamaica and indentured workers from India came to the Lesser Antilles. Today, an estimated 70 percent of the people of the region are of African descent or mulatto (mixed African and European descent), 25 percent European descent, and 5 percent Asian descent. The racial composition of individual islands, however, differs widely. Most of the Caucasians live in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Most of the Asians live in Trinidad. The inhabitants of the other islands and the third of Hispaniola occupied by Haiti are overwhelmingly of African descent. Jamaica is typical of the older plantation islands, with 76 percent of its population of African descent, 15 percent mulatto, 1 percent of European descent, and 8 percent of Chinese, Indian, or other heritage.

The Food The islands originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib Indian tribes had established a varied combination of foodstuffs and cooking techniques. The Caribs were cannibalistic but are credited by food historians to be the people who began ritually spicing their food with chile peppers. The Arawaks, on the other hand, devised a method of slow-cooking their meat by placing it over an open fire on a makeshift grate or grill made out of thin green sticks. They

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called this a barbacoa, which gave rise in both method and name to what is known today as a barbecue. After Christopher Columbus arrived in the area in 1492, other Europeans followed Spain in colonizing the islands and brought with them their culinary trademarks. Some of the ingredients the Spanish and Europeans introduced included not only sugarcane, but varieties of coconut, chickpeas, cilantro, eggplant, onions, garlic, oranges, limes, mangoes, rice, and coffee. The Caribbean’s close proximity to Mexico and South America encouraged trade between the early settlers. Mexico traded papaya, avocado, chayote, and cocoa. Potatoes and passion fruit came from South America. Later breadfruit was introduced by Polynesians and corn, beans, and chile by Americans. Beginning in the early 1600s the slave trade brought foods from West Africa to the islands. The Africans brought crops of okra, callaloo, and ackee. Cuisine is similar from island to island, but each island has its specialties. Typical Cuban foods include black beans, white rice, yellow rice, citrus marinades, garlic, and fried sliced banana (plantain). Olive oil and garlic marinades are often used as sauces. Popular spices include cumin, cayenne, and cilantro. Meat is often prepared roasted and in a creola style marinade. Two things not often seen in Cuban food are cream and milk products and cheeses in heavy sauces. These products, popular in Europe and North America, are expensive to purchase and often difficult to store. Pork and chicken are relatively plentiful, fresh and inexpensive. Ajiaco, a thick soup made with pork along with different kinds of edible vegetable roots and stems, is the national dish of Cuba. The taste depends on the vegetables and the seasonings chosen by the cook. Other typical Cuban dishes include moros y cristianos (white rice and black beans), congr´ı (a combination of rice and red kidney beans), and picadillo a` la habanera (a mincemeat dish, Havana style). Jamaica’s national dish is said to be ackee and saltfish, usually served at breakfast, but can also be a main dish. Ackee is a fruit whose color and flavor when cooked are said to resemble scrambled eggs. A “closed” ackee is unripe and poisonous and is only safe to consume when it ripens and is thus “open.” Saltfish is fish (usually cod) that has been heavily immersed in salt for preservation, drying, and curing purposes. Saltfish is usually soaked overnight in cold water to remove most of the salt before eating. Jamaica’s saltfish (or codfish) fritters, called Stamp and Go, an island form of fast food, are made from a batter of soaked, cooked, skinned, and flaked saltfish, with scallions, chiles, and tomato, fried in coconut oil until golden brown. The long lasting Oriental and Indian influences in Caribbean cooking are represented by curries and rice. Curried goat is a favorite, usually reserved for special occasions. Jamaican jerk is another signature dish of the island. It can be either a dry seasoning mixture that is rubbed directly into the meat or it can be combined with water to create a marinade. Jerk recipes have passed through generations but the basic ingredients involve allspice, hot chiles (scotch bonnet), salt, and a mixture of up to thirty or more herbs and spices that blend to create one of the hottest and spiciest foods known. The Blue Mountains of Jamaica lend their name to the famous Blue Mountain Coffee, renowned for being smooth and full flavored. Coffee

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beans were first introduced to Jamaica in 1728 from the country of Martinique. The climatic conditions of the island ensured that the seedlings flourished, which triggered the cultivation of coffee bean crops in the region. From Puerto Rico come adobo and sofrito—blends of herbs and spices that give many of the native foods their distinctive taste and color. Adobo, made by crushing together peppercorns, oregano, garlic, salt, olive oil, and lime juice or vinegar, is rubbed into meats before they are roasted. Sofrito, a potpourri of onions, garlic, and peppers browned in either olive oil or lard and colored with achiote (annatto seeds), imparts the bright yellow color to the island’s rice, soups and stews. Soups include sop´on de pollo con arroz (chicken soup with rice), which tastes different across the island’s regions; sop´on de pescado (fish soup), which is prepared with the head and tail intact; and sop´on de garbanzos con patas de cerdo (chickpea soup with pig’s feet), which is made with pumpkin, chorizo (Spanish sausage), salt pork, chile peppers, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. The most traditional Puerto Rican dish is asopao, a hearty gumbo made with either chicken or shellfish. One well-known and low-budget version is asopao de gandules (pigeon peas). Another is asopao de pollo (chicken), which adds a whole chicken flavored with oregano, garlic, and paprika to a rich gumbo of salt pork, cured ham, green peppers, chile peppers, onions, cilantro, olives, tomatoes, chorizo, and pimientos. Stews, which are usually cooked in heavy kettles called calderas, are a large part of the Puerto Rican diet. A popular ˜ (Puerto Rican beef stew). The ingredients that flavor the beef one is carne guisada puertorriquena vary but might include green peppers, sweet chile peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, potatoes, pimento-stuffed olives, capers, and raisins. Pastel´on de carne, or meat pie filled with salt pork, ham, and spices, is a staple of many Puerto Rican dinners. Other typical dishes include carne frita con cebolla (fried beefsteak with onions), ternera a la parmesana (veal parmesan) and roast leg of pork, fresh ham, lamb, or veal, which are prepared Creole style and flavored with adobo. Exotic fare, such as Cabrito en Fricas´e (goat meat fricasse,) Carne Mechada (larded pork or beef loin with chorizo sausage,) and Cuajito and Mollejas Guisadas (stews popular during Christmas season) are also enjoyed by locals. A festive island dish is lech´on asado (barbecued pig). A recipe dating back to the Taino Indians, it is traditional for picnics and outdoor parties. The pig is basted with jugo de naranja agria (sour orange juice) and achiote coloring. Green plantains are peeled and roasted over hot stones, then served as a side dish. The traditional dressing served with the pig is aji -li-mojili, a sour garlic sauce consisting of garlic, whole black peppercorns, and sweet seeded chile peppers, flavored further with vinegar, lime juice, salt, and olive oil. Chicken is a Puerto Rican staple, arroz con pollo (chicken with rice) being the most common dish. Other preparations include pollo al J´erez (chicken in sherry), pollo agridulce (sweet-and-sour chicken) and pollitos ˜ fried fish in a typical asados a la parrilla (broiled chicken). Fish specialties include mojo isleno, sauce of olives, olive oil, onions, pimientos, capers, tomato sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. Puerto Ricans often cook camarones en cerveza (shrimp in beer) and jueyes hervidos (boiled crab). Rice and plantains are prepared in dozens of ways and accompany nearly every meal. Rice (arroz) is simmered slowly with sofrito and generally served with habichuelas (beans) or

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gandules (pigeon peas). Another typical rice specialty is pegao, which is rice that is prepared so that it sticks to the bottom of the pan and gets crispy. Plantains also are served in many forms. Amarillos are ripe plantains fried with sugar to enhance their sweetness. Green plantains are either mashed into discs and deep fried to make tostones or mashed into balls of mofongo and mixed with pork or seafood and spices. In St. Vincent the national dish is roasted breadfruit and jackfish. Seafood is abundant, including lobster, crab, conch (pronounced conk), shrimp, whelk, and mahimahi. A favorite delicacy is tri tri, a tiny fish seasoned with spices and curry powder and fried into cakes. Other popular dishes include callaloo stew, souse (a soupy stew made with pigs feet), pumpkin soup, roti, and buljol (salted fish, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and onions served with roasted breadfruit). A favorite dessert, duckanoo, originally from Africa, is made with cornmeal, coconut, spices, and brown sugar. The ingredients are tied up in a banana leaf (hence its other name, Tie-a-Leaf ), and slowly cooked in boiling water. Native cooking in the Dominican Republic combines Spanish influences with local produce. Beef is expensive (Dominicans raise fine cattle, but mostly for export) and local favorites are pork and goat meat. Breakfast typically calls for a serving of mangu, a mix of plantains, cheese, and bacon. Mangu has been called “mashed potatoes” of the Dominican Republic. A foundation of the native diet, ‘La Bandera Dominicana, or the Dominican flag meal, is eaten by nearly everyone at lunchtime. The most important meal of the day, La Bandera consists of rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and fried plantains. Another popular dish is Sancocho, a Spanish-style stew usually served with rice. Ingredients include various roots, green plantains, avocado, and typically chicken or beef, although it sometimes includes a combination of seven different types of meat (Sancocho prieto). Goat meat, a staple in many Dominican homes, may also be used in this recipe. It offers a unique addition to the character of any dish since these animals graze on wild oregano. Locrio, or Dominican rice, varies. An adaptation of the Spanish paella, locrio is made with achiote (a colored dye produced from the seeds of the achiote plant), because saffron spice is unavailable. Casabe (a round flat cassava bread) and catibias (cassava flour fritters filled with meat) are the only culinary legacy of the Taino Indians. Desserts here are very sweet, made with sugar and condensed milk in various flavors (coconut, papaya, banana, pineapple, soursop, ginger), prepared as flans, puddings, and creams. Tropical fruits are abundant and are used in desserts throughout the year, but many different varieties are found depending on the altitude (for example, cherries, plums, and strawberries grow in the central regions). Barbados is distinguished for its flying fish/coo-coo dinners. Sleek, silver-blue fish with fins that resemble dragonfly wings, flying fish are able to propel themselves in the air at speeds up to thirty miles an hour to escape predators. Coo-coo is a polenta-like porridge made from yellow cornmeal, water, salt, pepper, butter, and okra. Other specialties include conkies, from Ghana, which are steamed sweet or savory preparations with mixtures of cornmeal, coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potato, and spices, in preboiled banana leaf pieces. Eddo, sometimes called coco, is a hairy root vegetable with the size and flavor of a potato that is used in soups.

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Peas and rice, or pigeon peas are a mainstay of the diet. The peas are cooked with rice and flavored with coconut. The peas are also known as congo or gongo peas on other islands. Jug-jug is a stew made from corned beef, pork, pigeon peas, and guinea corn. Lamb in Barbados is from a breed of black-bellied sheep that look like goats. Antigua’s national dish is fungi and pepperpot, a thick vegetable stew with salted meat. Ducana (sweet potato dumpling) is served with saltfish and chop up (mashed eggplant, okra and seasoning). Black pineapples from Antigua are famous throughout the East Caribbean for their unique, extra-sweet flavor. ´ or “stuffed cheese.” This dish is traditionally The signature dish of Curac¸ao is keshi yena, made with chicken, vegetables, seasonings, and raisins, which are stuffed into a scooped-out Edam or Gouda cheese shell. The “top” of the cheese is replaced and the whole is baked for at least an hour. In Colonial times, the Dutch masters would eat the cheese and “generously” donate the shell to their workers. Having to make due with what they had, the poor people of the island came up with this specialty. Two very popular dishes are funchi and tutu. Both based on cornmeal, they are commonly served as side dishes or appetizers. Taken directly from African cuisine, these two dishes are still cooked in the traditional manner. Funchi is much like polenta, in that cornmeal is poured into boiling water seasoned with butter and salt. It is stirred with a spoonlike utensil called a mealie or funchi stick. It is most often left mushy and served in a mound, although sometimes it is allowed to stiffen and then shaped into dumplings, much like hushpuppies. Some fancy eateries will shape the funchi into ramekins or other molds. Tutu is like funchi but with the addition of mashed black-eyed peas and is mixed with a l´el´e (a stick with three points, used like a whisk.) Bitterbal, another popular Dutch-inspired dish, is sausage meat formed into balls, coated in bread crumbs and fried. It is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Rotis in Trinidad are as common as hamburgers in the United States. This unofficial national dish consists of a curry meal wrapped in thin pastry; its prototype was brought to the Caribbean by Indian immigrants some decades ago. The little packets of food have turned into a top seller for a quick snack.

Glossary Ackee The fruit of a West African tree, named in honor of Captain Bligh, who introduced it to Jamaica. The ackee fruit is bright red. When ripe it bursts open to reveal three large black seeds and bright yellow flesh. It is popular as a breakfast food throughout Jamaica. Ackee is poisonous if eaten before it is fully mature and because of its toxicity, it is subject to import restrictions and may be hard to obtain in some countries. Never open an ackee pod; it will open itself when it ceases to be deadly. The edible part is the aril, sometimes called Vegetable

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Brains; it looks like a small brain or scrambled eggs, with a delicate flavor. It is best known in the Jamaican dish saltfish and ackee. Allspice, Pimienta Dark-brown berry, similar to peppercorns, that combines the flavors of

cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Annatto This slightly musky-flavored reddish yellow spice, ground from the seeds of a flower-

ing tree, is native to the West Indies and the Latin tropics. Islanders store their annatto seeds in oil, giving the oil a beautiful color. Saffron or turmeric can be substituted. The Spanish name achiote is sometimes referred to as achote. Available in Latin American and some Oriental markets. Bay Rum The bay rum tree is related to the evergreen that produces allspice and the West African tree that produces melgueta pepper. Used to flavor soups, stews, and, particularly, blaff. Beans, Peas Interchangeable terms for beans. Kidney beans in Jamaica are called peas. In

Trinidad pigeon peas are referred to as peas. The French islands use the term pois for kidney beans. Cuba calls beans frijoles. Puerto Rico uses the term habichuelas, and in the Dominican Republic both terms are used. Often combined with rice, used in soups and stews, or pulped and made into fritters. Bitter or Seville Orange Also called sour and bigarade orange. It is large, with a rough, reddish-

orange skin. The pulp is too acid to be eaten raw, but the juice is used in meat and poultry dishes. The oranges are also used to make marmalade. A mixture of lime or lemon juice and sweet orange juice can be used as a substitute. Blaff A broth infused with whole Scotch bonnet peppers and bay rum leaves in which whole

or filleted fish is poached. Boniato Tropical sweet potato. Boudin, Black Pudding Sausage that may include pig’s blood, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Frequently served with souse, a pork dish that can include any part of the pig. Breadfruit Large green fruits, usually about 10 inches in diameter, with a potato-like flesh. It

was introduced to Jamaica from its native Tahiti in 1793 by Captain Bligh. Breadfruit is not edible until cooked; when cooked the flesh is yellowish-white, like a dense potato. Breadfruit is picked and eaten before it ripens and is typically served like squash: baked, grilled, fried, boiled, or roasted after being stuffed with meat, or in place of any starch vegetable, rice, or pasta. It makes an excellent soup. Calabaza A squash, also called West Indian or green pumpkin. It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. The best substitutes are Hubbard or butternut squash.

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Callaloo The principal ingredient in the most famous of all the island soups. The term applies

to the leaves of two distinct types of plant that are used interchangeably. The first are the elephant-ear leaves of the taro plant. The other is Chinese spinach, a leafy vegetable typically prepared as one would prepare turnip or collard greens. Carambola, Star Fruit Tart or acidy-sweet star-shaped fruit used in desserts, as a garnish for

drinks, tossed into salads, or cooked together with seafood. Cassareep The boiled down juice of grated cassava root, flavored with cinnamon, cloves,

and sugar. It is the essential ingredient in pepperpot, the Caribbean island stew. It may be purchased bottled in West Indian markets. Cassava This tuber, also known as manioc and yuca, is a rather large root vegetable, 6–12

inches length and 2–3 inches in diameter. Cassava has a tough brown skin with a very firm white flesh. Tapioca and cassareep are both made from cassava. There are two varieties of the plant: sweet and bitter. Sweet cassava is boiled and eaten as a starch vegetable. Bitter cassava contains a poisonous acid that can be deadly and must be processed before it can be eaten. This is done by boiling the root in water for at least 45 minutes; discard the water. Alternatively, grate the cassava and place it in a muslin cloth, then squeeze out as much of the acid as possible before cooking. Bitter cassava is used commercially but is not sold unprocessed in some countries. Chayote, Christophine, Cho-cho, Mirliton A small pear-shaped vegetable, light green or cream

colored, and often covered with a prickly skin. Bland, similar in texture to squash, and used ´ Like pawpaw (papaya), it is primarily in Island cuisine as a side dish or in gratins and souffles. also a meat tenderizer. Cherimoya Pale-green fruit with white sweet flesh that has the texture of flan. Used for mousse

and fruit sauces, the fruit is best when fully ripe, well chilled and eaten with a spoon. Chorizo Spanish sausage that combines pork, hot peppers, and garlic. Coo-coo (or cou-cou) The Caribbean equivalent of polenta or grits. Once based on cassava or

manioc meal it is now made almost exclusively with cornmeal. Coo-coo can be baked, fried, or rolled into little balls and poached in soups or stews. Conch Also known as lambi or concha. These large mollusks from the gastropod family are up to a foot long, with a heavy spiral shell with yellow that shades to pink inside. When preparing conch soup, conch salad or conch fritters, the tough conch flesh must be tenderized by pounding. Crapaud Very large frogs, known as mountain chicken, found on the islands of Dominica and

Monserrat. Fried or stewed legs are considered a national delicacy.

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Creole, Criolla Creole refers to the cooking of the French-speaking West Indies, as well as to

southern Louisiana and the U.S. Gulf states. Criolla refers to the cuisine of Spanish-speaking islands. Both terms encompass a melding of ingredients and cooking methods from France, Spain, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Dhal Hindu name for legumes; in the Caribbean, it refers only to split peas or lentils. Darne The Caribbean name for kingfish. Dasheen Also known a coco, taro, and tannia, dasheen is a starchy tuber usually served boiled or cut up and used as a thickener in hearty soups. They are considered by some to have a texture and flavor superior to that of a Jerusalem artichoke or potato, but potatoes can often be used as a substitute for dasheen in recipes. Dasheen is often called coco, but coco is actually a slightly smaller relative of dasheen. Escabeche The Spanish word for “pickled.” It usually refers to fresh fish (and sometimes

poultry) that is cooked in oil and vinegar, or cooked and then pickled in an oil and vinegar marinade. Guava, Guayaba Tropical fruit that has over one hundred species. It is pear-shaped, yellow to

green skinned, with creamy yellow, pink, or red granular flesh and rows of small hard seeds. Ripe guava have a perfume-like scent. Guava is used green or ripe in punches, syrups, jams, chutneys, and ice creams. Hearts of Palm Ivory-colored core of some varieties of palm trees. They are used fresh or

canned in salads and as a vegetable. Hibiscus Also known as sorrel, rosell, or flor de Jamaica, this tropical flower is used for drinks, jams, and sauces. The flower blooms in December, after which it is dried and used to make a bright red drink that has a slightly tart taste and is the color of cranberry juice. It should not be confused with the American hibiscus found in the garden. Jack A fish family of over two hundred species, these colorful saltwater fish are also known

as yellowtail, greenback, burnfin, black, and amber jack. These delicately flavored fish tend to be large, weighing as much as 150 pounds, and readily available in waters around the world. Tuna and swordfish may be substituted. Lobster Caribbean rock lobster. Unlike the Maine variety, this lobster has no claws. Malanga, Yautia A relative of dasheen or taro, this tuber is prevalent throughout the Caribbean. Mamey Apple The large tropical fruit, native to the New World, yields edible pulp that is

tangerine in color. The flavor is similar to a peach.

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Mango A native of India, this fruit is known as “the fruit of the tropics.” Green mangoes are used in hot sauces and condiments, while ripe mangoes appear in desserts, candies, and drinks. Name This giant tuber is called by a variety of different names. The Spanish translation of the

˜ word name is yam. The outer skin is brown and coarsely textured, while the inside is porous ˜ and very moist. The name grows to enormous size and is considered to be the “king” of tubers. Otaheite Apple This pear-shaped apple ranges from pink to ruby red in color. This fruit is

usually eaten fresh, but also poached in wine, or juiced and served as a beverage. Papaya Also known as “pawpaw” in Jamaica. Green papaya is often used as an ingredient in

chutney or relishes and as a main dish when stuffed. When ripe, it is yellow or orange and eaten as a melon, or served in fruit salad. Passion Fruit, Maracudja, Granadilla Oval-shaped fruit that has a tough shell and a color range

from yellow-purple to eggplant to deep chocolate. The golden-yellow pulp is sweet and it must be strained to remove the seeds. Used in juices, desserts, drinks, and sauces. Picadillo Spicy Cuban hash, made of ground beef and cooked with olives and raisins. Pickapeppa Sauce This sauce, manufactured in Jamaica at Shooters Hill near Mandeville, is a secret combination of tamarind, onions, tomatoes, sugar, cane vinegar, mangoes, raisins, and spices. Since 1921 the company has produced this savory sauce, which has won many awards and is distributed throughout North America. The sauce is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year. Saltfish Saltfish is any fried, salted fish, but most often cod. With the increasing availability of fresh fish all over Jamaica, some cooks are moving away from this preserved fish, which originated in the days before refrigeration. Still, Jamaicans have a soft place in their hearts for the taste of this salted cod (sold around the world in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese markets under some variant of the name bacalao). Ackee and saltfish is the preferred breakfast of Jamaicans. When imported saltfish is unavailable, Jamaicans have been known to make their own from fresh fish. Sofrito A seasoning staple, there are many variations. Most contain pork, lard, green peppers, tomatoes, onions, and coriander. Typically they are prepared in advance and stored under refrigeration. The word comes from a Spanish verb that means “to fry lightly.” Soursop, Corossol, Guanabana Elongated, spike-covered fruit, slightly tart and delicately flavored. It is used mainly in drinks, punches, sherbets, and ice cream. Stamp and Go, Accra, or Baclaitos Spicy-hot fritters popular throughout the Caribbean. Methods, ingredients, and names vary from island to island.

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G L O S S A RY

Star Apple The local fruit is the main ingredient in a popular holiday dish called matrimony,

a mix of star apple and oranges. It is similar to an orange but is made up of clear segments. The eight-pointed star that gives the name can be seen when the fruit is sliced. Stinking Toe A pod that resembles a human toe, this fruit possesses a foul smelling rough

exterior. The sugary power inside is eaten, or used in custards or beverages. Sugar Apple, Sweetsop The flesh of the sweetsop is actually black seeds surrounded by sweet white pulp. The sweetsop is native to the tropical Americas. Tamarind A large, decorative tree that produces brown pods containing a sweet and tangy

pulp used for flavoring curries, sauces, and even beverages. Yam Similar in size and color to the potato, but nuttier in flavor, it is not to be confused with the Southern sweet yam or sweet potato. Caribbean yams are served boiled, mashed, or baked. Yaut´ıa A member of the taro root family, the yaut´ıa is the size of a potato, but more pear-

shaped. It has a brown fuzzy outer skin. The flesh is white and slimy and is custard-like when cooked. It is one of the most natural thickeners, used to thicken soups, stews, and bean dishes. There is also a purple yaut´ıa, also called mora. Yuca Root vegetable similar in length and shape to a turnip, with scaly yam-like skin. Universally made into flour for breads and cakes, and used as a base for tapioca.

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Menus and Recipes from the Caribbean M E N U

O N E

Buljol: Flaked Saltfish (Trinidad) Yuca Mufongo with Cilantro Aioli Sauce (Puerto Rico) Jamaican Jerk Beef Steak or Jamaican Jerk Chicken Arroz Mamposteao: Rice and Beans (Puerto Rico) Mojo de Amarilos: Ripe Plantain Chutney (Puerto Rico) Coo-Coo (Barbados) Coco Quemado: Coconut Pudding (Cuba) M E N U

T W O

Run Down (Jamaica) Ensalada de Aguacate y Pina: ˜ Avocado and Pineapple Salad (Cuba) Arroz con Pollo: Chicken and Rice (Puerto Rico) Pepperpot Soup (Jamaica) Sweet Potato Cake (Martinique) M E N U

T H R E E

Camarones Sofrito: Shrimp in Green Sofrito (Dominican Republic) Sopa de Frijol Negro: Black Bean Soup (Cuba) Salad of Hearts of Palm with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette (Puerto Rico) Curried Kid or Lamb (Trinidad) Fried Ripe Plantains (All Islands) Tamarind Balls (Jamaica) Stuffed Dates (Curacao) A D D I T I O N A L

R E C I P E S

Tostones: Twice-Fried Plantains (All Islands) Roasted Breadfruit (Barbados) Stewed Conch (Cayman Islands)

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RECIPES

Buljol Flaked Saltfish (Trinidad)

SERVES 4

The name is from the French brule gueule, meaning “to burn your mouth.” AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

8 ounce, 224 g

Saltfish, boneless

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lime juice

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Cucumber, peeled and seeded,

pound

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

2 teaspoons 1 cup

inch (.6 cm) dice

inch dice (.6 cm)

Garlic, minced 6 ounces, 168 g

2 tablespoons

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Green onion, tops, minced

1 2

3 tablespoons

Onion,

1 4

1 4

Scotch bonnet chile, seeded, minced 1 21

ounce, 45 ml

1

Olive oil Avocado, peeled and cut into 12 slices

PROCEDURE

1

Desalt the salt fish: cover with boiling water and allow to cool in the water. Drain. Remove any skin and bones. Shred the fish and cover again with boiling water, let cool. Drain and press out all the water.

2 3 4

Combine all the other ingredients except the avocado and mix well. Add fish and toss well, refrigerate for at least two hours. Serve with sliced avocado.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Yuca Mufongo with Cilantro Aioli Sauce (Puerto Rico) SERVES 4

Yuca is also known as manioc or cassava. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Fresh yuca

1 2

cup

2 12

Bacon,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

cup

1 12

Onion,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 3

ounces, 70 g ounces, 42 g

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon

Oregano, dried ground

1 tablespoon

Cilantro, minced

2

Eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon

Adobo

To taste

Salt and pepper

As needed

All purpose flour

As needed

Oil for frying

PROCEDURE

1

Trim ends from fresh yuca and peel remainder, removing all waxy brown skin and pinkish layer underneath. Cut yuca into 3 inch thick pieces. Cover with salted water by 2 inches and boil until soft, but firm and almost translucent. Drain. Carefully halve hot yuca pieces lengthwise and remove thin woody cores. Mash until smooth.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Over medium heat, render the bacon until crisp.

9

Serve hot or warm with Cilantro Aioli Sauce.

Add the onions and garlic to bacon and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until soft. Add mashed yuca, oregano, cilantro, and eggs; mix well. Season with adobo, salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 1 hour or until firm. Preheat deep fat fryer to 350◦ F (175◦ C). Shape two tablespoons of the mixture into balls. Roll in flour, shake off excess, and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

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RECIPES

Adobo Spice Mix 1 YIELD: 2 OUNCES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 teaspoon

4g

Coriander seeds, toasted and ground

1 teaspoon

Ground ginger

1 21

Red pepper flakes, crushed

teaspoons

1 teaspoon

Turmeric, ground

1 tablespoon

Dry mustard

1 teaspoon

Nutmeg, freshly grated

1 21

Cayenne pepper

teaspoons

1 teaspoon

Black pepper, freshly ground

1 21

Kosher salt

tablespoons

1 tablespoon

Paprika

1 tablespoon

Sugar

PROCEDURE

1

Mix all ingredients together.

Adobo Spice Mix 2 YIELD: 2 OUNCES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

6g

Garlic powder

1 tablespoon

Onion powder

1 tablespoon

Dried oregano, ground

1 2

teaspoon

Ground cumin

1 2

tablespoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1

Mix all ingredients together.

White pepper, freshly ground

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THE CARIBBEAN

Cilantro Aioli Sauce SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

4 1 4

INGREDIENT

Garlic cloves, chopped teaspoon

Salt

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Mayonnaise, commercial or made with pasteurized eggs

2 tablespoons

1 ounces, 30 ml

Fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons

Cilantro, leaves only, minced

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine garlic and

1 4

teaspoon salt; mash to a paste.

Combine garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro. Adjust seasoning. Chill for 1 hour to blend flavors.

Jamaican Jerk Beef Steak SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 12 pounds

24 ounces, 672 g

INGREDIENT

Skirt or flank steak

To taste

Salt and black pepper, freshly ground

2 tablespoons

Adobo spice mix 1

1 tablespoon

Fresh thyme, fresh, chopped

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

White vinegar

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

cup

PROCEDURE

1 2

Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.

3 4

Grill over high heat to desired temperature.

Combine the adobo spice, thyme, vinegar and oil; whisk to combine well. Add meat and marinate 1 hour at room temperate or 2 to 3 hours under refrigeration. Slice and serve hot with arroz mamposteao and mojo de amarilos.

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RECIPES

Jamaican Jerk Chicken SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fresh lime juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Water

3 21

pounds

Whole chicken, cut in half

2

Garlic cloves, minced

Jerk Marinade 2 teaspoons

Jamaican pimiento, ground

1 2

teaspoon

Nutmeg, grated

1 2

teaspoon

Mace, ground

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Sugar

2 teaspoons

Dried thyme

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Green onions, chopped

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Yellow onion, chopped

1 2 tablespoons

Whole Scotch bonnet 1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Preheat grill.

4 5

Remove chicken from marinade.

Combine lime juice and water and use to rinse chicken. Pat dry and rub with garlic. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender, mortar, or food processor. Process ingredients to almost smooth and pour over chicken; marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Grill, turning often, until fully cooked. Cut chicken into 8 to 12 pieces.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Arroz Mamposteao Rice and Beans (Puerto Rico) AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Cubanelle pepper (Italian),

Green Sofrito Mix

1 cup

4 ounce, 112 g

6 1 2

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Green bell pepper,

1 2

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, chopped cup

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Fresh cilantro, leaves only

1 ounce, 30 ml

Water

PROCEDURE

1

Using a food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle, process all ingredients into a loose puree paste. Add additional water if necessary. Bean Stew 1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Pink beans or red kidney beans (dried)

1 cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Corned pork or smoked ham, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Water

PROCEDURE

1 2

Soak the beans overnight in water. Drain.

3

Drain, retaining beans and pork.

Combine beans, pork, and water; bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently until the beans are just tender, about 1 hour.

Garnish for Bean Stew 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Oil

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

cup

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

2

Garlic cloves, minced

1

Small hot red or green pepper, seeded, minced

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RECIPES

3 tablespoons

1 2

ounce, 45 ml

Green sofrito

1 4

cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Tomato sauce

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Water

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

West Indian pumpkin (calabaza) or Hubbard squash

2 teaspoons

Adobo spice mix (1 or 2)

PROCEDURE

1

Heat the oil over medium heat, saute´ onion and garlic until soft but not brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

2 3 4

Add pepper and sofrito; cook 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce; cook 2 minutes. Add cooked beans and pork mixture, water, squash, and adobo spice mix. Cook, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until squash is cooked and sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and reserve.

Mamposteao Rice 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Corn oil

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Chorizo, chopped

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Bacon, chopped fine

1 3

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

2

Garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon

Cilantro, minced

2 tablespoons

Green bell pepper,

2 tablespoons

Red bell pepper,

1 cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Bean stew

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Cooked rice

1 8

1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

inch (.3 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Heat oil over medium heat; saut´e chorizo and bacon for 2 to 3 minutes, until cooked. Add onion and garlic; saute´ for 3 minute or until soft. Add cilantro and peppers; saute´ for 3 minutes or until soft. Add bean stew; cook 2 minutes. Add rice, stirring constantly; cook 4 minutes until the consistency of a wet risotto.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Mojo de Amarilos Ripe Plantain Chutney (Puerto Rico) Chef Tip

SERVES 4

When peeling plantains (pl´atanos), moisten your hands and rub with salt to prevent

the juices from sticking to your hands. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Very ripe plantain, very yellow, almost orange, with black spots, peeled, 12 inch (1.2 cm) dice

10

Cherry tomato cut in half

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Red onion, 1 inch (2.4 cm) julienne

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Red bell pepper, 1 inch (2.4 cm) julienne

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Yellow bell pepper, 1 inch (2.4 cm) julienne

1

Garlic clove, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons 1 4

cup

Golden raisins 2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Fresh cilantro, leaves only

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ plantain until tender and brown.

3

Add cilantro and correct seasoning. Serve warm to hot about 160◦ F (71◦ C).

Combine remaining ingredients except cilantro, salt, and pepper; simmer together for 5 to 6 minutes.

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RECIPES

Coo-Coo

(Barbados)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Water

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Young okras, cut

1 cup

6 41

Yellow cornmeal

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

To taste

Salt

ounces, 175 g

1 4

inch (.6 cm) thick

Butter

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Bring water and salt to a boil. Add okras and simmer, covered for 10 minutes. Add cornmeal in a slow, steady stream, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Cook over medium heat until mixture is thick and smooth, stirring constantly, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 3 to 5 minutes. Place on serving dish and spread butter on top.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Coco Quemado Coconut Pudding (Cuba) AMOUNT

1 12 3 4

cups

cup

3 cups

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces, 336 g

Granulated sugar

6 ounces, 180 ml

Water

9 ounces, 252 g

Grated coconut

3

Egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon

Ground cinnamon

6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 180 ml

Dry sherry

PROCEDURE

1

Cook the sugar and water to syrup at the thread stage. When sugar syrup reaches this stage, a drop of boiling syrup forms a soft 2-inch thread when immersed in cold water. On a candy thermometer, the thread stage is between 230–234◦ F (110–112◦ C).

2

Add coconut, and then stir in egg yolks, cinnamon and sherry. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is thick.

3 4

Pour into serving dish and brown the top under a broiler or with a torch. Serve warm or chilled.

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RECIPES

Run Down

(Jamaica)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Mackerel or shad fillets, or other oily fish, such as bluefish, mullet or pompano

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fresh lime juice

12 ounces, 360 ml

Coconut milk

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion, minced

cup

1 21 1 2 1 2,

cups

cup or to taste

Scotch bonnet chile, seeded and minced

2

Garlic cloves, minced

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

2 teaspoons

10 ml

Apple-cider vinegar

1 teaspoon

Fresh thyme leaves

To taste

Salt and black pepper

1 2

inch (.6 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Marinate fish in the lime juice for 15 minutes.

6

Serve hot with boiled bananas or roasted breadfruit.

Cook coconut milk over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes or until it begins to turn oily. Add onion, chile and garlic, cook 5 minutes or until onions are soft. Add tomatoes, vinegar, and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Drain the fish and add to the mixture. Cover and cook over low heat 8 to 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Ensalada de Aguacate y Pi˜ na Avocado and Pineapple Salad (Cuba) SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Cider vinegar

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fresh orange juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Granulated sugar

To taste

Salt and pepper

4 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Iceberg or Boston lettuce, shredded

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Fresh pineapple,

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Sweet red onions, thinly sliced

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) cubes

1

Avocado, peeled, sliced

4

Fresh lime wedges

1 4

inch (.6 cm) thick

PROCEDURE

1

Combine olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, and sugar in a blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

2

Lightly toss together the lettuce, pineapple, and red onions. Dress with oil and vinegar mixture; adjust the amount used to taste.

3

Garnish individual salads with several avocado slices lightly seasoned with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with lime wedges.

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RECIPES

Ensalada de Aguacate y Piña – Avocado and Pineapple Salad

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THE CARIBBEAN

Arroz con Pollo Chicken and Rice (Puerto Rico)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2 12 to 3 pound

1 1.12 to 1.34 kg

Chicken, cut into 8 pieces

2 1 2

Garlic cloves, minced teaspoon

Ground oregano

2 teaspoons

Salt

3 4

Freshly ground black pepper

teaspoon

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Annatto oil (see recipe)

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Longaniza (Puerto Rican pork or sausage) or ham, sliced 14 inch (.6 cm) thick

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Bacon,

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

3 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Red bell pepper,

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Green sofrito

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Tomato sauce

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Banana peppers,

2 cups

14 ounces, 392 g

Long grain rice

2 tablespoons

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Capers, rinsed

4 12 cups

36 ounces, 1.08 l

Chicken stock

cup

3 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

3 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1 2

Wash the chicken and pat dry.

3 4

Brown the chicken in the annatto oil until golden; remove and set aside.

5

Add onions and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add red pepper sofrito, tomato sauce, and banana peppers; stir well and cook 2 minutes.

6

Add rice and stir to coat; cook stirring 2 minutes.

Mix together the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and vinegar; rub into the chicken pieces. Let stand 45 minutes. Brown the longaniza and bacon. Drain off all but approximately 3 tablespoons (1 12 ounces, 45 ml) fat.

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RECIPES

7

Add chicken pieces, capers, stock, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer; cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice and chicken are tender. Serve hot. Annatto Oil 1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Vegetable oil

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Achiote seeds

cup

PROCEDURE

1

Heat the oil over low heat, add seeds, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a rich orange color. Cool, strain, and store, covered, in the refrigerator.

Arroz con Pollo – Chicken and Rice

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THE CARIBBEAN

Pepperpot Soup (Jamaica)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 14

8 ounces, 224 g

Lean beef stew meat,

3 ounces, 84 g

Corned beef or salt pork,

1 quart

32 ounces, 960 ml

Water

4 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Kale or collard greens, chopped

4 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Callaloo or spinach, chopped

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

1 2

cup

cup

cup

1 1 2

1 4

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice 1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic clove, minced cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions, white and green parts, minced

1 teaspoon

Fresh thyme leaves

1

Green hot pepper, seedless, minced 1 2

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Yam, peeled,

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Taro root, peeled,

cup

To taste

inch (1.2 cm) dice 1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 ml

Okra, sliced

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Small cooked shrimp

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Coconut milk

ounce, 15 ml

Butter 3 4

inch (.6 cm) thick

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine meat and water; simmer, covered for 1 hour.

3

Add onion, garlic, green onions, thyme, pepper, yam, and taro root and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until meats are tender and yam and taro are cooked, 30 to 45 minutes.

4 5

Heat butter over medium heat and saute´ okra until lightly brown. Add to soup.

Combine kale and callaloo with 2 cups (16 ounces, 480 ml) water in a separate pan and cook until tender, about 30 minutes. Puree kale, callallo and liquid, add to the cooked meat.

Add shrimp and coconut milk and simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Correct seasoning.

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RECIPES

Sweet Potato Cake (Martinique)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 pounds

896 g

Sweet potatoes, peeled, thickly sliced

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Butter

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Brown sugar

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Dark rum

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Milk

4 1 2

Eggs

2 teaspoons 1 tablespoon

Lime rind, grated 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Lime juice

1 2

teaspoon

Ground cinnamon

1 2

teaspoon

Ground nutmeg

1 2

teaspoon

Salt

2 teaspoons

Baking powder

PROCEDURE

1 2

Preheat oven at 350◦ F (176◦ C)

3 4 5 6

While still warm mix in butter, sugar, and rum.

7 8 9

Pour into a greased 9 × 5-inch (22.5 × 12.5 cm) loaf pan.

Cook sweet potatoes in just enough water to cover until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and mash. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add milk, grated rind, and lime juice. Sift together cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Add to sweet potatoes and mix thoroughly. Bake at 350◦ F (176◦ C) 1 hour or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes, then turn onto a rack to cool.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Camarones Sofrito

Shrimp in Green Sofrito (Dominican Republic)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Butter

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1

Garlic clove, minced

1, or to taste

Scotch bonnet chile, seeded and minced

1 2

cup

1 cup

Celery,

6 ounces, 168 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

To Taste 1 2

inch (.6 cm) dice

ounce, 15 ml

Lime juice Bay leaf

1 tablespoon

Parsley, minced

cup

1 pound

inch (.6 cm) dice

Sugar 1 2

1

1 2

1 4

Salt and pepper

teaspoon

1 tablespoon

1 4

2 ounces, 56 g

4 ounces, 120 ml

Green Sofrito (see Arroz Mamposteao)

448 g

Shrimp, 16–20 ct, shelled and deveined

PROCEDURE

1

Heat butter over medium heat, add the onion and garlic, and cook 2 minutes. Add chile and celery, cook 3 minutes, until celery is soft.

2

Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, lime juice, bay leaf, and parsley; simmer uncovered, until sauce is well blended and slightly reduced, 10 to 15 minutes.

3

In a separate pan heat the sofrito and stir in the shrimp; cook until the shrimp lose their translucency, about 3 minutes.

4

Serve shrimp on top of tomato sauce.

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RECIPES

Sopa de Frijol Negro Black Bean Soup (Cuba) AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Sofrito 1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green bell pepper, seeded, chopped

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 56 g

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion, chopped

2

Garlic cloves, chopped

2 tablespoons

Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon 1 21

tablespoons

Fresh parsley, chopped 3 4

ounce, 23 ml

Annatto oil

Soup 2 ounces

56 g

Salt pork, minced

2 ounces

56 g

Lean Virginia ham, trimmed, minced

1 teaspoon 1 21

cup

Dried oregano, crushed 9 ounces, 252 g

1 teaspoon 3 21 cups

Dried black beans, picked over and soaked Ground cumin

28 ounces, 840 ml

To taste

Chicken or beef stock Salt and pepper

Garnish 1 4

cup

White onions, minced

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Pound or process peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro and parsley to a paste.

4

Drain and rinse beans. Add to sofrito along with the oregano, cumin, stock and seasoning. Stock should cover beans by 1 to 2 inches (2.4 to 4.8 cm).

5

Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 1 12 to 2 hours, until beans are very tender. Add additional stock if necessary.

6 7

Puree half the soup, combine and simmer 5 minutes.

Heat annatto oil and render the salt pork until crisp. Drain, reserve the oil and salt pork. Return fat to medium-low heat, add the vegetable paste, and saute´ 2 to 3 minutes, until vegetables are cooked but not brown. Add ham and cook 1 minute.

Correct seasoning and serve with minced white onions.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Salad of Hearts of Palm with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette (Puerto Rico) SERVES 4

Fresh hearts of palm are available in Cryovac bags and will last up to two weeks in a refrigerator. Canned hearts of palm may be substituted for fresh. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

1 2

Passion fruit puree

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

1 8

teaspoon

1 2

cup

ounce, 15 ml

Red wine vinegar Dijon-style mustard

4 ounces, 120 ml

Olive oil

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Combine puree, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Gradually add olive oil, whisking continuously. Correct seasoning. AMOUNT

MEASURE

12 2 cups

INGREDIENT

Tomato wedges, peeled 12 ounces, 336 g

Fresh hearts of palm, 1 4

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red bell pepper,

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green bell pepper,

3 cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Boston lettuce leaves, washed, dried, torn

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red onion, cut into very thin rings, soaked in ice water for 30 minutes, drained, and patted dry

1 3

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Queso fresco

inch (.6 cm) dice 1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1 2

Toss tomato wedges with 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette and let stand at least 30 minutes.

3

Toss lettuce with dressing and place on salad plate. Arrange 3 tomato wedges on each plate. Top lettuce with hearts of palm mixture. Arrange a few sliced onions over salad and sprinkle with queso fresco.

When ready to assemble salad, combine hearts of palm and red and green bell pepper; toss with a little vinaigrette.

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RECIPES

Tamarind Balls

(Jamaica)

SERVES 4

Tamarind is one of the legacies brought to the Caribbean region by the indentured Indian servants, who replaced the enslaved Africans. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Tamarind paste with seeds

3 41 cups

23 ounces, 644 g

Granulated sugar

PROCEDURE

1

Combine the tamarind paste and 1 pound (2 14 cups, 448 g) sugar on a worktable and knead to together until the mixture is light in color and the majority of the sugar is absorbed.

2

Roll 1 tablespoon ( 21 ounce, 15 ml) of the mixture into a ball around one or two of the tamarind seeds (if using). Proceed until all the paste has been used.

3 4

Spread the remaining sugar on the worktable and roll each ball in sugar until coated. Store in an airtight container.

Stuffed Dates

(Curacao)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

2 12 ounces, 70 g

Walnuts, chopped fine

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Dried apricots, minced

1 2

Water

1 to 2 tablespoons 24

to 1 ounce, 15 to 30 ml

Dates (Medjool), pitted

PROCEDURE

1

Mix together the walnuts, apricots, and water and spoon 1 teaspoon of the mixture into each date. Do not overfill.

2

Serve at room temperature.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Curried Kid or Lamb (Trinidad)

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

1 2

Lime juice

ounce, 15 ml

1

Lime, cut into quarters

1 tablespoon

Coarse salt

1 12

24 ounces, 672 g

Boneless lean lamb or goat, 1 21 inch (3.6 cm) cubes

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

pounds

2

3 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons

10 ml

Tarmarind pulp

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Green mango, peeled,

1 tablespoon 1 or

1 2,

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice (optional)

Curry powder

to taste

Habanera pepper, seeded and minced 1 2

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Tomatoes peeled, seeded,

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Vegetable or chicken stock

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Potatoes, peeled,

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

West Indian pumpkin (calabaza) or Hubbard squash, peeled, 12 inch (1.2 cm) dice

1 2

3 ounces, 84 g

Chayote, peeled,

cup

1 2

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (1.2 cm) dice

1 tablespoon

Fresh thyme, chopped

1 teaspoon

Lime juice

To taste

Salt and pepper

As needed

White rice, cooked

As needed

Fried ripe plantains (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Combine the 1 tablespoon lime juice, lime quarters, coarse salt, and meat with 1 cup of water. Cover and allow to stand for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

2 3

Heat oil over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides. Remove meat. Add onions; cook 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Add garlic, tamarind pulp, mango, curry powder, and habanera pepper. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and

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RECIPES

cook 2 minutes. Return meat to mixture; cook 2 to 3 minutes to make sure the meat is coated with spice mixture. Add the stock.

4 5

Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 30 minutes.

6

Serve hot with rice and fried ripe plantains.

Add potatoes, calabaza, and chayote; correct salt. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender. Stir in the fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon lime juice and correct seasoning.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Fried Ripe Plantains (All Islands)

SERVES 4

Ripe plantain skins are quite black. If bananas are used as a substitute, use ripe but still firm bananas and be sure the skins are yellow, not black. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 large

Ripe plantains

As needed

Butter or oil

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Cut off ends of the plantains, peel, and halve lengthwise. Slice in half crosswise, yielding 8 slices. Heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add slices and saute´ until browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

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RECIPES

Tostones (All Islands) AMOUNT

Twice-Fried Plantains

Y I E L D : 1 2 TO 1 6 TO S TO N E S

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2

Large green plantains

As needed

Salted water

As needed

Oil for frying

To taste

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Cut off about 1 inch (2.4 cm) from both ends of plantains. Make 2 lengthwise cuts at opposite ends.

2 3

Cover with very hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to help loosen the peel. Drain.

4

Cut into diagonal slices 1 to 1 12 inch (2.4 to 4.8 cm) thick. Soak the slices in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

5

Heat 2 inches (4.8 cm) oil over medium heat to 350◦ F (176◦ C) and saute´ the pieces until tender, 3 to 4 minutes; do not let them get crusty on the outside. Drain on absorbent paper.

6

While they are still warm, lay a sheet of parchment paper, waxed paper, or a clean towel over the slices and flatten until half as thick.

7

When ready to serve, refry at 375◦ F (190◦ C) until golden. Drain on absorbent paper, season, and serve.

Hold the plantain steady with one hand and use the other hand to slide the tip of the knife under the skin and begin to pull it away, going from top to bottom.

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THE CARIBBEAN

Roasted Breadfruit (Barbados) Chef Tip

SERVES 4

Breadfruit is cooked and handled like a potato.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 medium

INGREDIENT

Breadfruit

PROCEDURE

1 2

Roast breadfruit over charcoal grill or directly over a gas burner.

3

When steam starts to escape from the stem end, the breadfruit is done. Or use skewer to check if cooked.

4 5 6 7 8

Remove from grill and peel off skin.

Turn the fruit as it begins to char. Cook on all sides till brownish black. This process can take up to 1 hour.

Cut in half. Cut out the “heart” (inedible portion in the middle). Cut breadfruit into appropriate size pieces. Serve hot. To bake, place breadfruit in a baking pan, with water covering the pan bottom. Bake at 350◦ F (176◦ C) one hour or until tender.

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RECIPES

Stewed Conch (Cayman Islands) AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Conch meat, fresh or frozen

3 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Lime juice

cup

To taste

Salt and pepper 1 2

8 ounces

224 g

Salt pork,

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Coconut milk

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Green plantain, peeled, sliced

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Yuca, peeled, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Yam, peeled, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Sweet potato, peeled,

1 2

3 ounces, 112 84

Breadfruit, peeled, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes (optional)

cup

inch (1.2 cm) cubes

1 tablespoon

Fresh thyme, minced

2 teaspoons

Fresh basil, minced

1 2

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) slices

inch (1.2 cm) cubes

PROCEDURE

1

Marinate conch in the lime juice for 30 minutes. Drain, rinse, and then tenderize the conch meat by pounding it with a meat mallet. Cover with water, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain and cut into 1 to 1 12 -inch (2.4 to 3.6 cm) pieces.

2 3

In a separate pan, cook salt pork in water to cover for 20 minutes to remove the salt.

4

Add plantain, yuca, yam, and sweet potato; cook 25 minutes. Add breadfruit, adjust seasoning, and cook until everything is tender, about 20 minutes.

5

Add thyme and basil, stir, and adjust seasonings. Serve hot.

Combine conch, salt pork, and coconut milk over medium heat; bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.

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Japan The Land Japan is a small nation of more than 3,000 scattered islands off the eastern coast of mainland Asia. The Japanese call it Nippon, which means “source of the sun”; others call it “Land of the Rising Sun.” It is an archipelago, or chain of islands, including four major islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyusha—and thousands of smaller ones that lie scattered along a southwest to northeast axis of nearly 3,000 miles. Historically, its location isolated the country from the rest of the world. Considering the country’s physical geography, its history, and its huge population, Japan has had to overcome many obstacles to achieve its present-day place among major world nations. Japan is located in a region of geologic instability known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region includes approximately 100 active volcanoes and as a result it averages about 1,500 earthquakes each year. Japan is also subject to floods, blizzards, and typhoons that sweep over the islands each year. And volcanic events occurring on the ocean floor can cause devastating tsunamis. Although no longer active, the most recognized of Japan’s volcanoes is Mount Fuji. This cone-shaped peak rises 12,388 feet above the Kanto Plain, about 70 miles southwest of Tokyo. The small valleys of flat land and narrow coastal plains support much of Japan’s population and economy. Japan’s population is over 127 million people, all of whom occupy an area slightly smaller than the state of California.

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THE PEOPLE

History In 1543, Portuguese traders arrived at one of the small islands of Japan and offered to exchange “what they had for what they did not have.” The Japanese were eager for trade and soon Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries arrived in increasing numbers, followed by the Dutch and the English. During this time the Shogun (the emperor’s commander in chief) Tokugawa Ieyaso, with the aid of the English sailor Will Adams as naval advisor, worked to unify the country. More than a hundred years later, the Shogun, fearing too much Western influence, closed Japan to “foreigners.” During this time Japan was able to develop in its own way. Two hundred years later, when Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy demanded reopening of trade in 1853, Japan was again ready to face the West. Under the modern thinking of Emperor Meiji, Japan soon became a power in the Far East, defeating imperial China and Russia in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Then an expanding need for raw materials not available set Japan on a course of conquest of Asia and the islands of the Pacific, ultimately leading to their role in World War II. In 1945, Japan was defeated by the United States and its Allies, and occupying American troops helped rebuild its cities and industries. Today, Japan has one of the most successful economies of any non-Western nation.

The People Few places in the world are as crowded as Japanese cities. Over 98 percent of the country’s inhabitants are ethnic Japanese. Koreans make up the largest group of immigrants and there are small numbers of Chinese, Brazilians, Filipinos, and Americans living in the country. Religious beliefs and practices in Japan primarily revolve around two faiths: Shintoism and Buddism. Originating in ancient times, Shinto is the polytheistic (believing in many gods) religion of Japan. Followers of Shinto worship their ancestors, offer prayers, and observe various rituals. They believe that kami (the many gods of Shinto) control the forces of nature and the human condition, including creativity, sickness, and healing. Because the followers of Shinto believe that the kami live in shrines, they erect places of worship in their homes as well as in public places. These structures are often quite extensive, involving several buildings and gardens, to which people make pilgrimages. Buddism, which originated in India and reached Japan from Korea in the sixth century A.D., focuses on enlightenment and meditation.

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J A PA N

Chanoyu has been referred to as the “Japanese Tea Ceremony” for many years but the word literally means hot water for tea. The simple art of Chanoyu is really a synthesis of many Japanese arts with the focus of preparing and serving a bowl of tea with a pure heart. Tea was first introduced to Japan from China with Buddhism in the sixth century. It wasn’t until 1191 that tea really took hold in Japan with the return from China of the Zen priest Eisai (1141– 1215). Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism in Japan, introduced powdered tea and tea seeds that he brought back with him from China. The tea seeds were planted at the Kozanji temple in the hills northwest of Kyoto. The tea master Sen Rikyu developed wabicha, or the style of tea that reflects a simple and quiet taste. It is this simple style of tea that is practiced and taught in Japan and throughout the world today. The principles of Wa Kei Sei Jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility) are the principles that practitioners of Chanoyu integrate into their study of tea and into their daily lives. The tea ceremony varies according to the seasons, with tea bowls, types of tea, flowers, and scrolls carefully chosen.

The Food Rice is Japan’s most important crop and has been cultivated by the Japanese for over 2000 years. Japanese rice is short grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked. Most rice is sold as hakumai (“white rice”), with the outer portion of the grains (nuka) polished away. Unpolished rice (gemmai) is considered less desirable. A second major rice variety used in Japan is mochi rice. Cooked mochi rice is more sticky than conventional Japanese rice, and it is commonly used for sekihan (cooked mochi rice with red beans) or pounded into rice cakes. The rice cakes are traditionally eaten on New Year’s day and are usually grilled and then served in a soup or wrapped in nori seaweed. Rice flour is used in various Japanese sweets (wagashi) and rice crackers (sembei). Daifuku is sweetened red bean paste wrapped in rice flour dough, and kushi-dango are rice flour dumplings on skewers. Rice is also used to produce vinegar. Rice wine is commonly known as sake which is the general term for “alcohol” in Japanese. The importance of rice in the daily diet is revealed in the word gohan, which means both “cooked rice” and “meal.” This word is extended to asagohan (breakfast), hirugohan (lunch), and bangohan (dinner). A traditional Japanese breakfast is a bowl of rice, miso (fermented soy paste) soup, a plain omelet, some dried fish, and pickled vegetables. Lunches are light, often consisting of noodles (soba made from buckwheat or udon made from wheat), domburi mono (a bowl of rice with vegetables, meat, or eggs on top), or a bento box. Dinner is a bowl of rice, miso or dashi soup (a stock made from kelp and dried bonito flakes), a small portion of protein, vegetables, pickled vegetables, and a dessert (usually a seasonal fruit).

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Kuril Islands

Ishikari

HOKKAIDO

Sapporo

Erimo saki

Lake Toya

ru S t

Uchiura-wan it r a MUTUSU-

Ts u g a

WAN

TOHOKU

Sendai

Sea of Japan

Abu

HONSHU

a kum

Sado Island

Lake Kasumigaura

KANTO Mt. Fuji Fu

CHUBU

ji

E TokyoTokyo Bay Izu Peninsula

Nagoya Kyoto

Ibi

KANSAI

Kobe

ait

CHUGOKU

Osaka

PA C I F I C OCEAN

Str

Hiroshima

SHIKOKU

Tsushima Iki

KYUSHU

Nagasaki dai

Miyazaki

Sen

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East China Sea

Tanega Yaku

Japan

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So close to the sea where warm (kurosio) currents meet with cold (oyashio), the area is home to some of the world’s richest fishing grounds. Fish is a main element in the Japanese diet and is eaten in a variety of preparations: steamed, fried, boiled, broiled, and raw. Preserving fish also became popular and sushi originated as a means of preserving fish by fermenting it in boiled rice. Salted fish was placed in rice and preserved by lactic acid fermentation, which prevents growth of the bacteria that bring about putrefaction. This older type of sushi is still produced in the areas surrounding Lake Biwa in western Japan, and similar types are also known in Korea, southwestern China, and Southeast Asia. A unique fifteenthcentury development shortened the fermentation period of sushi to one or two weeks and made both the fish and the rice edible. As a result, sushi became a popular snack food. Sushi without fermentation appeared during the 1600s, and sushi was finally united with sashimi at the end of the eighteenth century, when the hand-rolled type, nigiri-sushi, was devised. In the thirteenth century, Zen monks from China popularized a form of vegetarian cuisine known in Japan as shojin ryori. The practice of preparing meals with seasonal vegetables and wild plants from the mountains, served with seaweed, fresh soybean curd (or dehydrated forms), and seeds (such as walnuts, pine nuts and peanuts) is a tradition that is still alive at Zen temples today. Stemming from the Buddhist precept that it is wrong to kill animals, including fish, shojin ryori is completely vegetarian. Buddhism prescribes partaking of a simple diet every day and abstaining from drinking alcohol or eating meat. Such a lifestyle, it is thought, together with physical training, clears the mind of confusion and leads to understanding. In the sixteenth century the Portuguese traders, followed by the Dutch, began to introduce foods such as sugar and corn that were adopted by the Japanese. The use of fried foods such as tempura might seem to be unusual since a scarcity of meat and dairy products in the Japanese diet meant that oil was not commonly used for cooking. However, tempura was enjoyed by many people and is now used for a wide variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables. Buddhist influences and cultural factors caused Japanese emperors to ban consumption of beef and meat from other hoofed animals in Japan for more than a thousand years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. It is thought that before this time, Japanese soldiers, involved in many armed conflicts over the years, were fed beef to strengthen them for battle. When the soldiers came home from war, they brought their appetite for beef with them. Village elders believed that consuming beef inside the house was a sacrilege, a desecration of the house, and an insult to their ancestors. Thus young men were forced to cook their beef outside on plowshares (this process became known as sukiyaki, which literally means plow cooking) until the Meijii Restoration finally relaxed the restriction against eating beef. During the Meiji Restoration the new emperor went as far as staging a New Year’s feast in 1872 designed to embrace the Western world. It had a European emphasis and for the first time in over a thousand years, people publicly ate meat. Kobe beef is a legendary delicacy of Japan that comes from the capital city of Kobe in the Hyogo prefecture (province) of Japan. Cattle were first introduced into Japan around the second century, brought in from the Asian mainland via the Korean Peninsula. The

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THE FOOD

cattle provided a much-needed source of agricultural power, power to pull the plows for the cultivation of rice, power for the growth of a nation. The Shikoku region received the first imports, but because of rugged terrain and difficult traveling in the region, further migration of the cattle was slow. The cattle were in isolated areas, each essentially a closed population. These herds were developed with an emphasis on quality. Very protective of the breed, Japan went so far as to have the Wagyu classified as a national treasure. Wagyu produce consistently marbled, low-cholesterol carcasses, recognized as the world’s finest, unmatched for flavor, tenderness, and overall eating quality. Wagyu is the Japanese breed of cattle used to produce Kobe, Matzukya, and Hokkido beef and is similar to the Hereford, Holstein, and Angus breeds. In order to earn the designation “Kobe beef,” the Wagyu beef must come from the Hyogo province and meet strict production standards imposed by the industry. In Japan, Kobe beef is occasionally eaten as sushi, but is more frequently eaten as sukiyaki or steak. To cook a Kobe steak properly one should use high heat to sear the steak for a short amount of time. Since the fat is what gives Kobe beef its exquisite flavor, it is important to cook the steak only to medium rare (at most), since anything more would cause all of the fat to melt away. Most recipes recommend cooking a Kobe steak on the grill or a cast-iron pan, and seasoning only with salt and pepper. Nabemono dishes are a hearty wintertime specialty, prepared from fish, seafood, chicken, meat and/or vegetables in a bubbling cauldron at the table. Serving trays piled high with raw ingredients arrive at the table, then everyone begins cooking, finally eating together out of the communal pot. There are many different types of nabemono, depending on the ingredients used. Oysters, scallops, cod, salmon, and chicken are all popular. Chanko-nabe, a variety made with chicken, seafood, potatoes, and other vegetables, is the staple diet of Japan’s sumo wrestlers. Another special type of nabemono is beef sukiyaki. Grilled unagi (eel) is a delicacy in Japan. The cooking process is what makes the eel both crisp and tender: the eels are first grilled over hot charcoal, then steamed to remove excess fat, then seasoned with a sweetish sauce and grilled a second time. The ingredients in the sweet basting sauce differs depending on the family or restaurant. Fancy unagi restaurants keep tanks full of live eels. Yakitori itself means broiled chicken. Various cuts of chicken, including heart, liver, and cartilage are cooked on skewers over a charcoal grill. Also cooked this way are an assortment of vegetables such as green peppers (piman), garlic cloves (ninniku) and onions (negi). They are flavored using either a tangy sauce (tare) or salt (shio). Okonomiyaki restaurants serve large, savory pancakes made with diced seafood, meat, and vegetables. It is topped with a special sauce and mayonnaise and sprinkled with nori and dried fish flakes (katsuobushi). Variations include adding a fried egg or soba. The okonomiyaki style of cooking originated in Osaka and is very popular around the country, Oden is a very simple stew made by simmering fish dumplings, fried tofu, eggs, and vegetables in a kelp based stock for several hours. Sides include daikon (white radish), potatoes, kelp, transparent cakes made from kon’nyaku (devil’s tongue starch) and fukuro (fried

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tofu pouches stuffed with chopped mushrooms and noodles). There is also a selection of fish cakes such as chijuwaw—made by molding fish paste into a tubular shape, steaming it, and finally grilling it. The fish cakes are made from fish that are not popular on their own, such as shark, flying fish, and pollack. Kaiseki ryouri is Japanese formal cuisine. Today it is considered an art form that celebrates the harmony between food and nature, with an emphasis on flavors, textures, and colors. A traditional kaiseki meal consists of a set sequence of courses based on preparation techniques. One meal can consist of as many as 15 different courses featuring sashimi, tempura, fish and meat dishes, and tofu prepared in diverse traditional style and designed to please all of the senses. Everything, down to the timing of each course and the choice of ceramics is planned to perfection. An example of this meal would be: sakitsuke (hors d’ouvre), zensai (appetizer), suimono (clear soup), sashimi (slices of raw fish), nimono (stewed seafood and vegetables), yakimono (broiled fish), agemono (deep-fried seafood and vegetables), sunomono (vinegared seafood and vegetables) gohan (cooked rice), tomewan (miso soup), konomono (pickled vegetables) and kudamono or mizugashi (fruit). Senscha (green tea) is served before the meal. During and after the meal hojicha (roasted tea) is served. Dishes focus on seasonal ingredients, and kaiseki chefs give zealous attention to presentation. Shippoku ryouri, the specialty cuisine of the city of Nagasaki, combines European, Chinese, and Japanese tastes. Although shippoku benefited from Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese culinary influences, it was the original creation of the Chinese living in Nagasaki’s Chinese quarters. While it was intended to entertain Japanese and Western visitors, it spread to common households and evolved into a feast that is presented in traditional Japanese restaurants even today. The primary characteristic of Shippoku cuisine is jikabashi, the seating of the diners around a lacquered round table on which the food is served in one dish, with all diners serving themselves. This creates an atmosphere of omoyai (sharing) and contributes to a harmonious atmosphere. In addition, even before the toast, it is customary for the host to signal the start of the meal with one phrase: “Please help yourself to the ohire broth.” Varying according to the season, the menu includes ohire (clear fish soup); sashimi (raw fish); vinegared, cooked, fried, and boiled vegetables and meat; and at the end umewan (sweet red bean soup with a salted cherry blossom).

Glossary Aburage Deep-fried tofu pouch. Before being deep-fried, the tofu is cut into thin sheets. Akatogarashi Japanese dried red chile pepper, one of the hottest chile varieties in the world. It

is sold in a powdered form, called ichimi togarashi.

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The Bento Box A bento box is a compact container designed to hold a single serving of rice and several side dishes. The earliest records of packed lunches in Japan date back to around the fifth century, when people going out to hunt, farm, or wage war took food along with them. They typically carried dried rice, which was eaten either in its dried state or after being rehydrated with cold or hot water, or rice balls. Traditionally, people working outdoors—whether in the fields, in the mountains, on fishing boats, or in town—carried their lunches with them because they did not have time to go home for meals. These box lunches were built around such staples as white rice, rice mixed with millet, or potatoes, depending on the region. During the Edo period (1603–1868), people considered bento an essential accompaniment to any outdoor excursions, including the theater. The makunouchi bento, which typically contains small rice balls sprinkled with sesame seeds and a rich assortment of side dishes, made its first appearance during this era. Makunouchi refers to the interval between the acts of a play, and the bento is said to have gotten its name from the fact that spectators ate it during intermission. In the Meiji period (1868–1912), with the introduction of Japan’s railway system, the ekiben (“station bento,” or box lunches sold at train stations) appeared. The first ekiben—rice balls with pickled apricots inside—was reportedly sold in 1885. Ekiben are still sold at Japanese train stations today in vast quantities.

Aji-no-moto Monosodium glutamate (MSG). Atsuage Regular or firm tofu, deep-fried until the outside is crisp and golden brown; the inside

remains white. Azuki beans Tiny, reddish, purplish dried beans, cooked to a sweetened paste and used in a

variety of ways; often used in Japanese sweets. Beni shoga Red pickled ginger. Bonito Tuna, also known as skipjack tuna. Buta Pork. Chutoro The belly area of the tuna. Daikon A large white radish, crisp, juicy, and refreshing. Available year-round, daikon becomes

sweeter during the cold season. The flavor differs slightly depending on the part of the root used. The upper part is sweeter and without bitterness, typically used for daikon oroshi (peeled

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and grated daikon), which accompanies deep-fried foods such as tempura and grilled oily fish and meat. The top part is also used in salads. The bottom half of the root has a mild and pleasant bitter taste. It is usually simmered until soft enough to be broken with chopsticks. Simmered daikon (furofuki daikon) is served very hot, with a flavored miso sauce. Dashi Basic Japanese stock made with kombu and katsuoboshi. Ebi Cooked shrimp. Ami Ebi shrimp is prepared by “curing” the shrimp in a mixture of citrus

juices. Edamame Green soybeans. Fugu Puffer fish, considered a delicacy, though its innards and blood contain the extremely

poisonous neurotoxin tetrodotoxin. In Japan only licensed fugu chefs are allowed to prepare fugu. Futo-Maki Big, oversized sushi rolls. Gari Pickled ginger (pink or white) served with sushi. Ginnan Gingko nuts. Asian cooks like to use ginnan in desserts and stir-fries. They’re available fresh (in the fall), canned, or dried in Asian markets. To prepare fresh nuts, remove the soft pale yellow nutmeat from the hard shell. Simmer the nuts in salted boiling water. The meat will turn a bright green color. Drain and peel off the skins; refresh under cold water. Ginnan are used in stir-fry, deep-fried, or added to simmered or steamed dishes or soups. Canned nuts have already been shelled, skinned, and boiled, but they’re mealier than fresh nuts. Rinse them before using. Substitute blanched almonds or pine nuts. Goma Sesame seeds, found in two colors: white and black. White sesame seeds contain more

oil than black seeds and are used to produce sesame oil. Black sesame seeds have a stronger, nuttier flavor than the white variety. Sesame seeds are sold untoasted, toasted, toasted and roughly ground, and toasted and ground to a smooth paste, with a little oil from the seeds floating on top. Japanese sesame paste is similar to Middle Eastern tahini. Goma Abura Sesame oil. Introduced to Japan by China during the eighth century. There are two types of sesame oil, one made with toasted seeds and the other with raw seeds. Sesame oil made with toasted seeds has a golden brown color and a rich, nutty flavor. It is the preferred type used in Japan. Sesame oil made with raw seeds is clear and milder in flavor. Japanese have also adopted a chile-flavored sesame oil, called rayu. Hakusai Chinese cabbage, about ten inches in length and six inches across the base. The lower parts of the leaves are white and quite thick. The upper parts are light green, thin and wrinkled. Hakusai does not have a strong flavor, making it a very good match with rich flavored stocks. When cooked for only a short amount of time it has a crisp texture.

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Hamachi Young yellowtail tuna, or amberjack. Hanakatsuo Dried bonito, shaved or flaked. Ichiban Dashi “First fish stock.” This stock extracts the best flavor and nutrients from the

kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (bonito flake). A very short cooking time prevents the stock from becoming strongly flavored or yellowish. Japan Green Teas First brought to Japan from China in the ninth century by Buddhist Monks, tea has become the beverage of choice in all of Japan. Tea may be divided into three groups, according to how the leaves are processed: unfermented, partially fermented, or fully fermented. Japanese tea is an unfermented type, also called green tea. In Japan, fresh-picked tea leaves are steamed, quickly cooled, and rolled by hand or machine while hot air blows them dry. This process helps to preserve the leaves’ maximum flavor, to be released only when the tea is brewed. Kabocha A winter squash shaped like a pumpkin, six to seven inches in diameter, with a thick, tough, dark green skin. It has a deep orange flesh; when cooked it becomes very sweet and creamy. As with other winter squash it is a versatile vegetable. Substitute pumpkin or butter nut squash. Kaiware (Daikon Sprouts) These have a pleasantly bitter, refreshing taste and are eaten raw.

Used in salads, rolled sushi, or as a condiment for sashimi or noodle dishes. Kaki Persimmon, native to China and cultivated in Japan for centuries. Both sweet and astrin-

gent varieties are grown in Japan. Sweet kaki contains chemicals called tannins that produce the astringency in unripe persimmons. The ripening process inactivates the tannins, so the astringency disappears. These sweet varieties have a round and slightly flattened shape. Astringent kaki, which is shaped like an acorn, becomes less astringent when the fruit becomes very soft and mushy. Kamaboko Imitation crab meat, used in California rolls and other maki. Kanten (Agar-Agar) When kanten is cooked with liquid and cooled, it forms a gel that is very

stable at relatively high temperatures. Karashi General word for mustard; wa-garashi is the expression for Japanese mustard, which is hotter than Western mustard. Wa-garashi has a dark yellow color and a pleasant bitter flavor. Colman’s English mustard can be a substitute. Katsuobushi Dried bonito fish flakes. Bonito is a type of tuna, which is a member of the

mackerel family, and one of the most important fish in Japanese cuisine. To make katsuobushi the tuna is filleted, boned, boiled, smoked, and dried in the sun to make a hard, woodlike block with a concentrated, rich, and smoky flavor. A special tool is used to flake the extremely hard chunks. Bonito shavings form the base for many Japanese sauces and stocks (such as dashi, made with bonito and seaweed). The flakes are frequently sprinkled over boiled or steamed vegetables and into soups.

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Kinoko Mushrooms, literally meaning “child of a tree.” Various mushrooms are used in

Japanese cuisine. Some of the most popular ones are introduced below. Bunashimeji. A firm-textured cultivated mushroom that is suitable for Japanese, Chinese,

and Western-style cooking Enokitake. Pale yellow mushrooms with long, slender stems and tiny caps, both of which

are edible. Enokitake mushrooms have a faint but distinctive flavor: raw they have a pleasant, crisp bite; blanched they have a chewy texture. Hiratake The Japanese name for oyster mushrooms. This mushroom looks, smells, and

tastes like oysters, Maitake Mushrooms popular in Japanese cuisine. They have a wonderful taste, crisp texture, and excellent aroma. Appearing to be a clump of small suspicious-looking fronds or petals, the maitake mushroom is firm and fleshy. Its aroma is somewhat similar to that of the oyster mushroom. Entirely edible, the flavor is mild and deliciously pleasant. Matsutake Highly priced gourmet mushrooms that grow only in red pine forests. The

mushrooms have a firm, chewy texture, and a spicy, clean smell and taste. Shiitake Large meaty mushrooms with a distinctive, appealing “woody-fruity” flavor and a spongy, chewy texture, which allows it to partner with stronger flavors like beef, pork, and soy sauce.

Kombu A dark green long thick sea vegetable from the kelp family. Used frequently in Japanese cooking, it is an essential ingredient of dashi. Never wash or rinse before using. The speckled surface of the kelp is just natural salts and minerals, resulting in great flavor. Kombu contains significant amounts of glutamic acid, the basis of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Kome Rice. More than 300 varieties of rice are grown in Japan. Japanese cuisine typically uses

short-grain types that, when cooked, are faintly sweet and slightly sticky. Rice is the most important crop and has been cultivated by the Japanese for over 2000 years and it was once used as a currency. The Japanese word for cooked rice (gohan) also has the general meaning of “meal” and the literal meaning of breakfast (asagohan) is “morning rice.” There are three major types of kome typically used in Japanese cuisine: Genmai Unpolished brown rice. Haigamai Partially polished white rice. Seihakumai Highly polished white rice, the most common type.

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In addition to ordinary table rice, short-grain mochigome, glutinous rice or sweet rice, is popular. Komezu Rice vinegar. A light and mild-tasting Japanese vinegar. An essential ingredient for

making sushi rice and sunomono (vinegary salads). It has a lower acid level than Western vinegars. Vinegar is also known for its antibacterial properties and this is one reason komezu is often used in Japanese dishes that include raw fish, seafood, or meat. Kyuri Japanese cucumber. This is a slender and long cucumber, about 8 inches, with a bumpy

skin that is thick and dark green. Kyuri is very crispy to the bite, with very few seeds. Menrui Japanese noodles, made from wheat and buckwheat flours, and mung-bean and potato

starch. In Japan, rice flour is not used to make noodles. Mirin A golden yellow, sweet, rich-textured rice wine with an alcohol content of about 14 percent. When used in cooking, it is frequently heated to cook off the alcohol before other flavoring ingredients are added. This technique is called nikirimirin. Mirin contributes a rich flavor and an attractive, glossy brown appearance. Miso A fermented soybean paste made from a starter culture that includes either steamed rice or barley mixed with cooked beans and salt. When the beans ferment the taste is somewhat meaty or mushroom-like, with a texture of nut butters, but is not oily. Miso is used in a variety of ways: to flavor soups or stews, in marinades, and spread on items before cooking. The different types of grains used in production process yield three different kinds of miso: komemiso is made of rice and soybeans, mugimiso of barley and soybeans, and mamemiso nearly entirely of soybeans. The lighter-colored misos, called “white miso”(shiro miso), are made from soybeans. They are sweeter, milder, and more delicate than the darker misos. The darkercolored misos (aka miso) are made from red adzuki beans (aka means “red” in Japanese). It has a richer, saltier taste because it is allowed to ferment longer. Aka miso is a specialty of Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan. Kuro miso is a dark, almost black miso that is strong tasting and usually aged the longest. Hinsu miso is yellow miso that is readily available. Mugi miso is made with all barley and no soybeans, usually a medium brown color. All miso is nutrient dense and high in protein, containing live enzymes that aid in digestion. Mitsuba Literally, “three leaves,” often translated as “trefoil.” This member of the parsley family has a flavor somewhere between sorrel and celery. Used in soups, eggs, custards, hot stews, and salads. Mizuna A member of the mustard family, it grows in bunches of thin, snow-white stalks with light green leaves. Each leaf is about the size of an arugula leaf, but is deeply serrated. One of the few indigenous vegetables of Japan, mizuna means “water greens” because it is grown in fields that are shallowly flooded with water. May be pickled, eaten raw in salads, stir-fried, simmered, and used in hot-pot dishes.

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Moyashi Bean sprouts. Sprouts grown from many different kinds of legume seeds—soybeans, mung beans, azuki beans, alfalfa, peas, and lentils—are generally known as moyashi. Japanese cuisine predominantly uses soybean sprouts, which have yellow heads and thick, snow-white stems. Mung bean sprouts have small green heads and thinner, longer stems and have become more commonplace. Neither soybean nor mung bean sprouts have a distinctive flavor; they are used more for their crisp texture. Bean sprouts are used in soups, stir-fries, and simmered preparations. Generally they are added at the very last preparation step. Naganegi Literally, “long onion.” These are nonbulbing onions 12–16 inches long and 1 inch at the base. Both the white and green parts are used in cooking. The white stem has a strong onion flavor when eaten raw, but becomes very mild and sweet when cooked. It is typically grilled or used in simmered dishes. Nasu Japanese eggplant. A distinctive eggplant variety, it is short—about 4–5 inches–and slender. Less seedy than other eggplant varieties, it becomes very creamy when cooked. Eggplant is pickled, stir-fried, deep-fried, steamed, grilled, or simmered. Niban Dashi A “second fish stock” prepared by simmering the kelp and dried bonito flakes used in preparing ichiban dashi in the same volume of fresh water. It will have a less refined flavor and a cloudy appearance, but is still good in everyday miso soups and simmered dishes where strong-flavored condiments or ingredients are incorporated. Nira Chinese chives, also called garlic chives, for their mixed flavor of garlic and chives. These chives have long (up to 16 inches), flat, thin, dark green leaves. When quickly stir-fried, they become bright green and crisp in texture, with a garlicky flavor. Nori Dried or roasted seaweed. Nori seaweed grows around bamboo stakes placed under water. When harvested it is washed, laid out in thin sheets, and dried. The best quality nori seaweed is glossy black-purple. It is typically toasted before using, which improves flavor and texture. To toast, simply pass the sheet of nori several inches over the heat until it turns from dark green to an even darker green. It only takes a few seconds to toast both sides. In Japan it is eaten for breakfast with a little soup and rice. Nori has two sides: one shinier than the other. When using to make makizushi (sushi rolls), roll them with the shiny side facing out. Panko Japanese bread crumbs that are extremely crunchy. Okara A by-product of the tofu making process, It is like a moist, white, crumbly sawdust. It is used in soups, stews, or as a side dish. Renkon This is the root of the lotus or water lily plant, hasu. The root grows in sausage-like

links and has longitudinal tubular channels, usually ten. When cut crosswise, the root has an attractive flowerlike pattern. Mild flavored when raw; when briefly cooked, it has a pleasant crunchy texture.

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Sake Rice wine. The premiere Japanese alcoholic drink. Sake is often used in marinades for

meat and fish to soften them as well as to mask their smell. In cooking, it is often used to add body and flavor to various dashi (soup stocks) and sauces, or to make nimono (simmered dishes) and yakimono (grilled dishes). Sashimi Raw fish fillets. Sato-Imo Taro is the root of a perennial plant that is found everywhere in tropical Asia. The

shape varies from small and round to long and sticklike, with a snow-white flesh. It has no distinctive flavor, but has a pleasant, soft texture. Taro is traditionally simmered in a flavored broth, stewed with proteins, or added to soups. Taro will absorb the flavor it is cooked with. Taro must be washed, peeled, and parboiled before final preparation. Satsuma-Imo Sweet potato. Originally from Central and South America, sweet potatoes were

introduced by Spanish conquistadors to the Philippines; from there they reached China. They were introduced to Japan from China in the seventeenth century. The Japanese produce a very sweet and creamy sweet potato, with a bright, reddish purple skin. The meat is creamy white when uncooked and a bright yellow when cooked. North American sweet potatoes are less sweet and creamy; when cooked they are more watery. Yams may be the best substitute. ¯ Shichimi-Togarashi A Japanese spice mixture made from seven spices. Shichimi means “seven

flavors.” It is not the same as Chinese five-spice mixture. The ingredients and proportions used will vary but usually include red pepper flakes, ground roasted orange or mandarin peel, yellow (aka white) sesame seed, black sesame seed or black hemp seeds or poppy seeds, sansho (Japanese pepper also known as Szechuan peppercorns), dark green dried seaweed flakes (nori), rapeseed, or chipi (dried mikan peel). Shishitogarashi Small green pepper, literally “Chinese lion pepper.” A 3-inch-long pepper

resembling a miniature Chinese lion head. This pepper has been hybridized to remove most of the heat; it is a uniquely Japanese pepper variety. Shishitogarashi peppers are best when stir-fried or deep-fried. When not available, substitute green bell peppers. Shiso Herb, a member of the mint family, tasting of cumin and cinnamon. The leaves are used to wrap sushi and as a garnish for sashimi. Shoga Ginger. One of the oldest seasonings in Japan. It has a pleasant, sharp bite and fragrant

bouquet, said to stimulate the appetite. Ginger suppresses undesirable odors from other foods. It is an important condiment for sashimi and sushi because of its antiseptic properties. Shoyu (see Soy Sauce) Shungiku Chrysanthemum leaves. These leaves are cultivated to be edible. They are slightly bitter and can be used raw or cooked. Substitute spinach, turnip greens, or mustard greens. Soba These noodles, which were first called sobakiri, are now simply called soba. They are

linguine-sized noodles that are hearty, healthy, and served both hot and cold. The quality of

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the soba noodle is dependent on how much other starchy material, such as wheat flour or yam flour, has been added to the buckwheat flour. Buckwheat, which is not a grain, lacks the gluten needed to form dough. A 100-percent buckwheat flour noodle would lack the “bite” of good pasta. Soba noodles are a regional food. The cooler the climate, the more fragrant and rich-tasting the buckwheat. Chukasoba Literally, “Chinese-style soba noodles.” They are a type of wheat noodle that

contains no buckwheat flour, mixed with water and a naturally obtained alkaline agent called kansui. The kansui provides the noodles with their distinctive elasticity. These noodles are creamy yellow (although they contain no eggs), curly, and resilient in texture. They are served hot, with a richly flavored broth made from chicken and pork bones. The most famous dish made from these noodles and broth is ramen. Harusame Potato starch noodles, slender and transparent, as thin and straight as angel-hair

pasta. Kishimen Flat wheat noodles similar to fettuccini, with a distinctive chewy bite. They are

also served both hot and cold. Ryokuto Harusame Mung bean noodles, clear, thin, wrinkled starch noodles. Somen and Hiyamugi Thin wheat noodles. Somen are as thin as vermicelli, and hiyamugi are slightly thicker than somen. Both are summertime noodles, usually served cold, with a dipping sauce. Udon The most popular of the wheat noodles. They are a thick, long, cream-colored,

noodle that may be served hot or cold. Soy Sauce Three types of soy sauce are used in Japanese cooking, which differ in color, flavor,

and degree of saltiness. Koikuchi shoyu, or simply shoyu, means brewed with wheat. It has a dark brown color, rich

flavor, and complex aroma, with a salt content around 17 to 18 percent. Used in all types of preparations, it gives foods a dark brown color and rich flavor. Tamari is made nearly entirely from soybeans, and only a small amount of water is added

to the fermenting mixture. Tamari is thicker, with a dark brown color, rich in bean flavor and about as salty as regular shoyu. Tamari is preferred as a condiment or flavor enhancer rather than a basic cooking ingredient. Follow these key points when cooking with shoyu: cook it only for a short time. Brief cooking preserves its natural fragrance, flavor, and color. Because of its high salt content, it should be added toward the end of the cooking process. In stir-frying, shoyu is added at the end of the cooking. Usukuchi shoyu, light-colored soy sauce, is produced by not roasting the wheat as much,

and more salt is added to slow the fermentation. The resulting shoyu is lighter in color,

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less flavorful, and has a slightly higher salt content, about 19 percent. Usukuchi shoyu is used in recipes where a refined color and weak flavor are required. Sushi The term is actually sweetened, pickled rice. Raw fish (sashimi) wrapped together with a

portion of sushi rice is sold as “sushi.” Sushi is the term for the special rice; in Japanese it is modified to zushi when coupled with modifiers that describe the different styles. Takenoko Bamboo shoots. It is a member of the grass family. Bamboo shoots are young, new canes that are harvested for food before they are two weeks old or one-foot tall. Bamboo shoots are crisp and tender, comparable to asparagus, with a flavor similar to corn. However, fresh bamboo shoots are very difficult to find. Fresh shoots need to be peeled and cooked before using. Raw shoots are bitter tasting and hard to digest. Tofu Soybean curd. This soft, cheeselike food is made by curdling fresh hot soy milk with a coagulant. Traditionally, the curdling agent used to make tofu is nigari, a compound found in natural ocean water, or calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral. The curds then are generally pressed into a solid block. Firm tofu is dense and solid and holds up well in stir-fry dishes, soups, or on the

grill—anywhere you want the tofu to maintain its shape. Firm tofu also is higher in protein, fat, and calcium than other forms of tofu. ¯ Koya-dofu is freeze-dried tofu, which comes in flat, creamy white squares. When soaked

in warm water it absorbs a large amount of liquid and takes on a slightly spongy texture. It has a mild but distinctive flavor. Reconstituted dried tofu has no resemblance to fresh tofu. Silken tofu is a Japanese-style tofu, with a mild, light, delicate taste. Unlike other types of

tofu, the water is not pressed out of it, nor is it strained. A slightly different process that results in a creamy, custardlike product makes silken tofu higher in water content, so it does not hold its shape as well as firm tofu. Silken tofu works well in pureed or blended dishes and soups. In Japan, silken tofu is enjoyed “as is,” with a touch of soy sauce and topped with chopped scallions. Yaki-dofu is tofu that has been grilled on both sides over charcoal, producing a firm texture. Umami The elusive fifth flavor, translated from Japanese as “delicious,” “savory,” or “brothy.” It refers to a synergy of intricate, balanced flavors. Umami is a taste that occurs when foods with glutamate (like MSG) are eaten. Ume Japanese green plum. Typically pickled, ume is used as a base for preserves, or for umeshu

(plum wine). Wakame One of the most popular sea vegetables in the Japanese diet.

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Wasabi Japanese horseradish, pale green in color with a delicate aroma; milder tasting than Western horseradish. Wasabi is similar to horseradish in its taste and culinary function but is unrelated. Wasabi grows in the water while horseradish grows in soil. Like ginger, wasabi has antiseptic properties, so it has traditionally been served with sushi and sashimi dishes. Wasabi also helps to promote digestion. Fresh wasabi root should be grated just before consumption; however, fresh is hard to obtain outside of Japan. Powdered or paste wasabi is more pungent than freshly grated root, and it is also less fragrant and flavorful. The paste form of wasabi, neriwasabi, comes in a tube ready to serve. Powdered wasabi, konawasabi, is a mixture of wasabi and horseradish powder; frequently mustard powder is added to increase the pungency and an artificial green color is added to simulate real wasabi. Yuzu A tangerine-size variety of citron (citrus fruit), with a thick, bumpy rind. Like a lemon, yuzu is valued for both its juice and its rind, which has a pleasant tart and bitter flavor. Substitute lime or lemon rind and equal parts lime, orange, and grapefruit juice for yuzu juice.

K I T C H E N TO O L S

Deba bocho A heavy-duty knife, similar to the chef’s knife, with a thicker blade and a pointed

tip. Used to chop fish heads and chicken bones. Donabe Earthenware pot with lid, used directly for stovetop cooking (on a gas stove) or at the dinner table with a portable stove. It should not be used in an oven. Often used for sukiyaki, oden, and shabu shabu. Fukin A thin, rectangular cotton cloth, 12 to 16 inches in length and 10 inches in width. Like

cheesecloth, a fukin is used for a variety of purposes, including wrapping and forming cooked rice into shapes, lining a colander to strain stock, and squeezing excess water from tofu. A larger version of this is daifukin. Hangiri Wooden sushi tub usually made of cypress wood, in the shape of a large circular plate with high sides. The large surface area cools the rice quickly, and the wood absorbs excess moisture. Used to mix rice with sugar and vinegar to make sushi rice. Hocho Japanese knives. Most Japanese knives are made for cutting fish and green leafy veg-

etables only. They are thin-bladed knives not intended to cut root vegetables, winter squash, carrots, or anything else that might chip the blade. Except for nakkiri bocho and bunka bocho, only one side of the Japanese blade is ground to form the cutting edge, which is straight, not curved. These characteristics give Japanese knives a cleaner, quicker cut. Burka bocho All-purpose knives. Deba bocho A heavy knife with a sharp tip, used for fish. Nakkiri bocho Knives specifically for vegetables. The name derives from its function: na

refers to “vegetable” and giri means “cut.”

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Ryuba Used to cut fish. Ryuba means “willow blade cutting edge.” Sashimi bocho Long, thin blade a bit more than an inch wide. Used to cut filleted fish for

sushi and sashimi. Takobiki Very long and thin blunt-tipped knife, traditional tool of the sushi chef, perfect

for accurate slicing. Usuba bocho A light and efficient knife designed for cutting vegetables, it resembles a basic cleaver, with a slightly rounded end. The straight blade edge is suitable for cutting all the way to the cutting board without the need for a horizontal pull or push. Kushi Bamboo skewers used for preparing certain grilled Japanese dishes, such as yakitori.

The cook continually turns the skewers so that the meat is evenly cooked and basted. For this reason, bamboo skewers are essential; steel skewers would become too hot to handle. The skewers are soaked in water for 30 minutes before use so they won’t burn during cooking. Makisu Bamboo rolling mats, made from thin pieces of bamboo tied together. Makisu are used to make sushi rolls (makizushi). Oroshigane A steel grater with very fine spikes, used to grate wasabi, ginger, and daikon radish. Oroshiki Porcelain grater, considered better than the metal grater (oroshigane), because it does not impart any metallic flavor to the food and is safer on the hands. Oshizushi no kata Wooden sushi mold. Used when making pressed sushi, such as oshizushi.

The rice and toppings placed in an oshizushi no kata are pressed, resulting in a pressed “cake.” Otoshibuta Literally “drop lid”—a lightweight round lid used to keep foods submerged. It

ensures heat is evenly distributed and reduces the tendency of liquid to boil with large bubbles, thus preventing fragile ingredients from losing their original shape. Typically made from wood. Ryoribashi Cooking chopsticks, typically 14 inches long. Normally, ryoribashi have a string at the top to tie the chopsticks together. Shamoji A paddle made from wood or plastic, used to serve rice. Also used to stir sushi rice after adding sweetened vinegar and cooling. Nowadays, shamoji are usually made from plastic, since they are much easier to clean than their wooden counterparts. Suribachi A bowl with a corrugated pattern on the inside, used as a mortar along with the surikogi (pestle) to grind sesame seeds into a paste. It is glazed ceramic on the outside and unglazed on the inside, often brown and beige in color. Surikogi A wooden pestle, often made from cypress wood, shaped like a big cucumber. The

grinder part to suribachi (bowl), which makes up the Japanese version of the mortar and pestle. Wok For stir-frying. Japanese cuisine uses the traditional, round-bottomed Chinese wok.

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Zaru A shallow bamboo basket used to drain, rinse, or dry foods. In the summer, cold soba

noodles are served in a zaru, accompanied by a small bowl filled with dipping sauce, called zaru soba. COOKING TERMS

Agemono Fish or vegetables fried in vegetable oil. The first cooking oil used in Japan was

probably sesame oil, goma abura, introduced by the Chinese during the eighth century. However, the majority of deep-frying is now accomplished using refined, flavorless vegetables oils such as canola, soybean, cottonseed, or corn oils, or a combination of these. There are two styles of deep-frying: tempura and kara-age. Tempura is batter frying, while kara-age uses no batter. Instead, ingredients are breaded or dusted with cornstarch and fried. The word kara refers to China, meaning that this method originated in Chinese cooking (age means deep-fried). Daikon Oroshi Grated daikon. Many fried dishes, including tempura and grilled or broiled oily fish, are almost always served with grated daikon. Choose a radish that is heavy for its size, so it will be juicy. Grate only the top part, which is sweeter than the lower part. Hana Ninjin Floral-cut carrots. Hiya-Gohan Day-old rice, used in stir-frying or rice soup. Itameru Stir-frying. Katsura Muki A technique used with daikon, cucumber, and carrots to cut a continuous paper-thin sheet of flesh. Mizukiri The process of removing excess water from tofu before it is used. Momiji Oroshi Spicy grated daikon. Momiji means “autumn leaf color.” To prepare momiji

oroshi, make two deep holes on the cut surface of a disk of daikon, Insert one skatog arashi (Japanese dried red chile) into each hole. Grate the daikon and chile together, producing a slightly red, spicy oroshi. Nabemono One-pot cooking, a specific style of Japanese preparation, with ingredients added

in succession to a pot to cook and ultimately to be served from the cooking pot. The term is also used for simmered dishes. The technique is often applied to vegetables, chicken, and fish. Foods are typically cut into manageable pieces with chopsticks before they are simmered. The basic liquids used include dashi (fish stock), kombu dashi (kelp stock), water, or sake (rice wine). Otoshibuta, or “drop-lid,” is frequently used in simmering. Shiraga Negi Literally, “gray-hair long onion,” the white part of Japanese long onion (naganegi),

cut into very thin strips. These thin strips are soaked in ice water so they are crisp and curly. Used as a garnish.

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G L O S S A RY

Tamagoyaki Egg omelet, sweet and light. In Japan it is the trademark of each sushi chef. Yakimono Foods (usually meat) that are grilled, broiled, or pan-fried. The ingredients are

generally marinated in sauce or salted then skewered so they retain their shape and grilled over a hot fire so the skin (if any) is very crisp while the meat stays tender and juicy. Yakitori is a type of yakimono. SUSHI TERMS

Chirashi-zushi Translates as “scattered sushi.” A bowl or box of sushi rice topped with a variety

of sashimi (usually nine, which is considered a lucky number). Gunkam-maki Battleship roll. The maki is rolled to form a container for the liquid of an item,

such as oysters, uni, quail eggs, ikora, and tobiko. Inari-zushi Aburage (simmered with sweet sake, shoyu, and water), then stuffed with sushi rice. Kaiten-zushi A sushi restaurant where the plates with the sushi are placed on a rotating con-

veyor belt that winds through the restaurant and moves past every table and counter seat. Customers may place special orders, but most simply pick their selections from a steady stream of fresh sushi moving along the conveyor belt. The final bill is calculated based on the number and type of plates of the consumed sushi. Besides conveyor belts, some restaurants use a fancier form of presentation such as miniature wooden “sushi boats” traveling small canals, or miniature locomotive cars. Maki-zushi Rice and seaweed rolls with fish and/or vegetables made with a makisu mat made

from thin pieces of bamboo that facilitates the rolling process. Most rolls are made with the rice inside the nori, a few—like the California roll—place the rice on the outside of the nori. Ana-kyu Maki Conger eel and cucumber rolls. Chutoro Maki Marbled tuna roll. Futo Maki Large rolls with nori on the outside. Hosomaki Thin rolls, similar to futomaki but about half the size in diameter. Kaiware Maki Daikon sprout roll. Kanpyo Maki Pickled gourd rolls. Kappa Maki Cucumber-filled maki zuchi. Maguro Temaki Tuna temaki. Maki Mono Vinegared rice and fish (or other ingredient) rolled in nori. Natto Maki Sticky, strong-tasting fermented soybean rolls.

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Negitoro Maki Scallion and tuna roll. Nori Maki Same as kanpyo maki; in Osada, same as futo maki. Oshinko Maki Pickled daikon rolls. Otoro Maki Fatty tuna roll. Tekka Maki Tuna filled maki zushi. Tekkappa Maki Selection of both tuna and cucumber rolls. Temaki Hand-rolled cones made from nori. Uramaki Inside-out rolls; the rice is on the outside with the nori and filling inside. Neta The piece of fish that is placed on top of the sushi rice for nigiri. Nigiri-zushi The little fingers of rice topped with wasabi and a filet of raw or cooked fish or

shellfish. This is the most common form of sushi. Oshinko Japanese pickles. Oshi-zushi Sushi made from rice pressed in a box or mold. Sashimi Raw fish without rice. Tamaki-zushi Hand-rolled cones of sushi rice, fish, and vegetables wrapped in seaweed.

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Menus and Recipes from Japan M E N U

O N E

Gyoza: Japanese Pot-Stickers Miso-Shiru: Miso Soup Dashi: Japanese Basic Stock Kyuri No Sunome: Japanese Cucumber Salad Sashimi: Sliced Raw Fish Sushi: Basic Vinegared Rice Nigiri-Zushi Yakitori: Grilled Chicken Hiyashi Chukasoba: Summertime Chilled Chukasoba Thin Omelet M E N U

T W O

Asari no Ushio-jiru: Asari Clam Soup Maki Sushi: Futomaki: Seasoned Vegetables Horenso Goma-ae: Spinach with Sesame Dressing Chawan Mushi: Savory Custard Buta Teriyaki: Pork on Skewers Nasu No Karashi: Mustard-Pickled Eggplant Kamonanban Soba: Soba with Duck and Long Onions Kakejiru: Broth for Hot Noodles Tempura Goma-anko Manju: Steamed Dumplings with Sweet Azuki Paste and Sesame Seeds Anko: Sweet Azuki Bean Paste

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Gyoza Japanese Pot-Stickers YIELD: 4 SERVINGS OR 40 SMALL DUMPLINGS

The primary difference between packaged gyoza skins and packaged wonton skins is the shape (round for gyoza skins, square for wonton skins) this is a matter of preference. The dough can be made but it is a time-consuming process and the dough must be rolled quite thin.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

9 ounces, 252 g

All-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 12

cups

12 ounces, 360 ml

Boiling water

2 12

cups

7 ounces, 196 g

Chinese cabbage, upper leafy parts only, or bib lettuce, minced

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Ground pork, or 12 cup (4 ounces, 112 g) ground pork and 12 cup (4 ounces, 112 g) ground shrimp

2 teaspoons

10 ml

Shoyu

1 teaspoon

5 ml

Grated ginger

1

Garlic clove

1 tablespoon

Green onions, green part only, minced

Pinch

Sugar

1 2

Black pepper, fresh ground

teaspoon

40

Gyoza or Wonton skins

3 tablespoons

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

Sesame oil mixed with vegetable oil

3 tablespoons

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Boiling water

As needed

Hot mustard paste

As needed

Shoyu

PROCEDURE

1 2

Sift flour and

1 2

teaspoon salt together.

Add 1 12 cups boiling water to flour little by little, stirring with chopsticks, until mixture is shaped into a ball. Cover and let stand 1 hour.

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RECIPES

3

On floured work surface, knead the dough for 6 minutes or until smooth. Form the dough into a long log, and cut the log crosswise into 40 disks. Dust each cut side with additional flour to prevent the surfaces from drying out.

4

Roll each piece of dough into a 3-inch disk, making the rim thinner than the center. Dust liberally with additional flour; stack and wrap in plastic. Set aside.

5

Toss Chinese cabbage with remaining salt. Let stand for 10 minutes. Squeeze the cabbage to remove excess water.

6

Combine ground pork with shoyu and mix until the pork is sticky. Mix in the cabbage, ginger, garlic, green onion, sugar, and black pepper.

7

Have a small bowl of water at hand. Place a wrapper in one hand, wet half the rim of the wrapper with water, and place a little stuffing in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half by placing the dry edge over the wet edge. While sealing the dumpling, make six to eight pleats in the top, dry edge, starting at one side and continuing around the rim.

8

Over medium heat, heat a pan large enough to hold 20 dumplings; add 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil. When hot, add dumplings to the skillet, pleated sides up, and cook until the bottoms are golden and crisp.

9

Combine 1 cup boiling water and 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil. When dumplings are golden, add enough of the liquid mixture to reach to 14 the height of the dumplings. Immediately cover and steam dumplings over medium to low heat for 4 to 5 minutes.

10 11 12

Remove lid, turn heat up to high, and cook away any remaining liquid. Remove dumplings from the pan and keep warm. Repeat with remaining dumplings. Serve hot with mustard paste and shoyu.

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Miso-Shiru Miso Soup

SERVES 4

This is a traditional soup, which can be served at any meal. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 cups

32 ounces, 950 ml

Ichiban dashi (recipe follows)

1 2

1 13 ounces, 37 g

Wakeme seaweed or shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 12 ounces, 45 ml

Shiro miso (sweet white miso)

7 ounces, 196 g

Firm or soft tofu,

1 2

Green onion, green and white parts, thin diagonal cut

cup

3 tablespoons 1 cup

( 12

block)

3 tablespoons

ounce, 14 g

1 2

inch (1.27 cm) dice 1 8

inch (.3 cm)

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine dashi and mushrooms; simmer over medium heat 3 minutes.

3 4

Divide the green onion, mushrooms, and tofu equally among serving bowls.

Soften the miso with a little stock and stir into the dashi until miso is dissolved. Do not boil: miso’s flavor changes when boiled. Add the tofu and heat 30 seconds. Ladle in dashi. Serve immediately, as hot as possible.

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RECIPES

Dashi Japanese Basic Stock Dashi is indispensable in Japanese cooking. Although chicken stock can be a suitable substitute, to cook truly “Japanese,” dashi should always be used when a recipe calls for stock or broth.

Ichiban Dashi (First Fish Stock) YIELD: 1 QUART

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 quart

32 ounces, 1 liter

Water

1

1 × 4 inch (10 cm)

Kombu (kelp), wiped clean

1 2

1 2

Katsuobushi (bonito fish flakes), tightly packed

cup

ounce, 14 g

PROCEDURE

1

Combine water with kombu over medium heat; bring almost to a boil but do not let the kombu boil or the stock will become stronger than desired.

2 3

Immediately remove kombu; save.

4

Strain the stock through a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Bring back to boiling point; remove from heat and stir in bonito flakes. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes; flakes will settle to the bottom.

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Kyuri No Sunome Japanese Cucumber Salad

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut lengthwise in half and sliced very thin

1 2

1 ounce, 28g

Green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Shoyu

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Granulated sugar

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 120 ml

cup

1 4

inch (.6 cm)

Rice vinegar

To taste

Salt

2 teaspoons

Mixture of black and white sesame seeds, toasted

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine all ingredients except sesame seeds and let stand for 1 hour. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

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RECIPES

Sashimi Sliced Raw Fish

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 21 pounds

672 g

Impeccably fresh sea bass, tuna, or other saltwater fish, filleted

2 cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Daikon, shredded

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Carrot, shredded

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onion, white and green parts, minced

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Wasabi

1 2

ounce, 14 g

1 tablespoon To taste 1 tablespoon

Shoyu Ginger, grated

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5 6

Remove any skin, blood, and dark sections from the fish.

7

Serve with rice, if desired. Dip fish and vegetables into sauce before eating.

Cut diagonally into slices 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and

1 4

inch (5 mm) thick.

Arrange shredded daikon, carrot, and green onion in mounds on a serving platter. Arrange raw fish slices on platter. Mix wasabi to a thick paste with a little water and place on platter. To serve, pour shoyu into individual bowls, then allow diners to add wasabi and ginger to their own bowls.

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Sushi Basic Vinegared Rice Chef Tip

Keys to success: Use white short-grain Japanese rice or medium-grain California rice.

Wash rice thoroughly under cold running water, rubbing it well between the palms of the hands. Drain and repeat the process 3 times until the water is clear. Drain and set in a colander to air dry for 30 minutes, tossing once or twice for even air circulation, before cooking. This produces firmly cooked rice, perfect for tossing with vinegar dressing. Rice for sushi should not be soaked. Use good-quality rice vinegar. Mix cooked rice and vinegar dressing in a hangiri tub. Because the wood absorbs moisture and retains heat, the rice doesn’t become watery, nor does it cool too quickly. An unfinished wooden salad bowl is a good substitute for a hangiri. Soak wood bowls and spatula in cold water for at least 20 minutes so the rice will not stick. Never refrigerate sushi rice; it will become unpleasantly firm.

Gohan (Rice) YIELD: 8–9 CUPS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

19 ounces, 532 g

Rice

4 cups

32 ounces, 960 ml

Water

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sake

1

2 inch (4.8 cm) square

Kombu

3 tablespoons

1 12 ounces, 42 g

Sugar

2 teaspoons

1 2

Salt

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Vinegar Dressing

cup

ounce, 14 g

Rice vinegar

PROCEDURE

1 2

Prepare rice for cooking. Combine rice, water, and sake in correct-size pot (three times deeper than water level). Place the kombu on top, bring to a boil, and then immediately remove the kombu.

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RECIPES

3 4 5

Cook, uncovered, until the water level is almost level with the rice.

6

Dissolve the sugar and salt in the vinegar. Do not allow to boil vigorously or the flavor of the vinegar will be compromised. Cool slightly.

7 8

Transfer the hot rice to a hangiri, wooden bowl, or sheet pan. Spread into a thin layer.

9

The rice is ready to make sushi when it has cooled to room temperature.

Reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This resting makes the rice easier to toss.

Pour the vinegar dressing over the cooling rice and cut into the rice with a wooden spatula, while fanning the rice to cool it. Do not use all the dressing right away or the rice may get mushy. Keep fanning, stirring, and adding vinegar dressing until the rice is at room temperature. Taste as you go; you may not need all the dressing.

Chef Tip

To prevent cooked sushi rice from becoming sticky when handling, keep your hands

damp with tezu (“hand-vinegar”), which is a combination of water and vinegar that can be used to dip your fingers into while making sushi. To create tezu, combine 1 tablespoon sushi dressing with 3 tablespoons cold water.

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Nigiri-Zushi YIELD: 24 PIECES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

6 ounces, 180 ml

Water

3 4

ounce, 23 ml

Rice vinegar

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

2 cups

14 ounces, 418 g

Cooked sushi rice

12 ounces

336 g

24 assorted pieces raw fish cut for sushi—1 12 inches (3.6 cm) long by 2 inches (4.8 cm) wide by 14 inch (.6 cm) thick

Tezu 3 4

cup

1 12

tablespoons

1 tablespoon

Wasabi powder Warm water

As needed

Pickled ginger

As needed

Shoyu

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Make the tezu by stirring together the water and rice vinegar.

4

Smear a bit of wasabi paste down the center of one flat side of a piece of fish. Holding the rice in one hand and the fish in the other, press the two together. The fish should completely cover the top of the rice.

5 6

Repeat with remaining rice and fish and place on a serving platter.

Mix wasabi powder with the warm water to make a paste; set aside to rest for 30 minutes. Dip fingers in the tezu and clasp your hands together to dampen palms. Take about 1 12 tablespoons of rice in your fingers and gently compress into the shape of a finger, about 3 inch (1.8 cm) wide, 1 12 inches (3.6 cm) long, and 34 inch (1.8 cm) high. 4

Mound a small amount of wasabi on the platter and serve with shoyu and pickled ginger.

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RECIPES

Yakitori Grilled Chicken

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4

16 ounces, 448 g

Chicken thighs, skinned, boned, and cut into 1 inch (2.4 cm) by 1 14 inch (3 cm) pieces

2

Green onion, cut diagonally to match the size of chicken

8

Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour

As needed

Salt

As needed

Yakitori Basting Sauce (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Preheat broiler or grill.

4 5

Return to heat and cook 2 minutes, turning several times. Remove from heat and baste.

Thread chicken and green onions alternately onto skewers. Salt chicken and green onions. Cook the skewered chicken and onions for 4 minutes, turning the skewers several times. Remove from heat and baste with tare (basting sauce). Return to heat and cook 2 minutes, turning once. Remove from heat and baste once more. Serve hot.

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Yakitori Tare

Yakitori Basting Sauce

AMOUNT

YIELD:

1 2

C U P, 4 O U N C E S , 1 2 0 M L

MEASURE

8 3 4

INGREDIENT

Chicken wings 6 ounces, 180 ml

Sake

1 13 cups

cup

10 21 ounces, 315 ml

Mirin

3 tablespoons

1 21

Granulated sugar

1 13

10 21

cups

ounces, 42 g ounces, 315 ml

Shoyu

PROCEDURE

1 2

Char chicken wings over about half their surfaces.

3 4

Cook over low heat for 30 minutes, until sauce is thick and glossy.

Over medium heat, bring sake and mirin to boil; add sugar and cook to dissolve. Add shoyu and chicken wings; bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Strain through cheesecloth; serve warm to hot.

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RECIPES

Hiyashi Chukasoba Summertime Chilled Chukasoba Chef Tip

S E RV E S : 4

To make ginger juice, peel and grate ginger. Wrap grated ginger in cheesecloth and

squeeze the juice through the cheesecloth.

Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Mirin

1 2

Granulated sugar

cup

1 tablespoon 1 21

12 ounces, 360 ml

Chicken stock or ramen stock

4 ounces, 120 ml

Shoyu

3 tablespoons

1 12 ounces, 45 ml

Rice vinegar

1 tablespoon

1 2

Sesame oil

1 2

cups

ounce, 14 g

cup

ounce, 15 ml

1–2 teaspoons

Ginger juice, to taste

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Over high heat bring mirin to a boil; add sugar and chicken stock and return to a boil. Add shoyu, return to boil, remove from heat, and transfer to a clean, cooled container. Add rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger juice. Let cool and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Toppings AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Soybean or mung bean sprouts

2 ounces

48 g

Mung bean noodles, soaked in boiling water for 6 minutes

PROCEDURE

1 2

Blanch sprouts in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain and set aside. Drain soaked mung-bean noodles, cool under cold running water, and cut into 6-inch (14.4 cm) lengths.

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Thin Omelet AMOUNT

MEASURE

Pinch 1 teaspoon

Salt 5g

4 1 12

INGREDIENT

Granulated sugar Eggs, lightly beaten

tablespoons

3 4

ounce, 23 ml

Vegetable oil

Noodles 13 ounces 2 teaspoons

Dried chukasoba noodles 10 ml

Sesame oil

6 ounces, 168 g

Japanese or salad cucumber, julienned in 2 12 inch (6 cm) lengths

Plating 1 cup 8

Cherry tomatoes, cut in half

8

Shrimp (16–20 count), cooked, peeled, and cut in half

Garnish 2 tablespoons

White or black sesame seeds, toasted

To taste

Hot mustard paste or smooth French-style mustard

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine salt, sugar, and eggs.

3

Cook noodles in large amount of boiling water until al dente, 3 to 5 minutes or as instructed on package.

4 5

Drain and rinse under cold running water. Drain again, toss with sesame oil.

Use oil and eggs to make 8 small very thin omelets. Cut into 2-inch (4.8 cm) julienne strips.

Divide the noodles among 4 individual shallow bowls. Top noodles with cucumber, tomatoes, shrimp, sprouts, mung bean noodles, and omelets strips. In traditional presentations, the items are placed in separate mounds like the colorful spokes of a wheel. Pour some of the sauce over each dish, garnish with sesame seeds on top, and place a dab of mustard on the rim of the bowl.

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RECIPES

Asari no Ushio-jiru Asari Clam Soup

YIELD: 16 PIECES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12

24 ounces, 672 g

Asari clams, or littleneck or New Zealand cockles

4 cups

32 ounces, 960 ml

Water

1

3 inch (7.2 cm)

Square kombu (kelp)

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sake

To taste

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Light soy sauce

To taste

Salt

To taste

Lemon juice

To taste

Sugar

Garnish 1 2

cup

1 4

2 ounces, 48 g

Daikon sprouts, roots removed, or watercress leaves Yuzu citron or lemon rind, julienned

PROCEDURE

1

Place clams into a colander, and place the colander in a large bowl of salted cold water (1 tablespoon salt to 1 quart water). Let clams stand in a cool place for 2 hours to expel any sand, then rub and rinse under cold running water.

2

Combine clams, water, and kombu and bring almost to a boil over medium heat, skimming any foam. Remove and discard the kombu.

3

Add the sake and cook clams, covered, until they open, 3 to 4 minutes. Discard any unopened clams.

4

Strain soup through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Reserve clams, and return both clams and soup broth to pot. Season to taste with soy sauce, salt, lemon juice, and sugar.

5 6

Serve each portion with equal amounts of clams and broth. Top each serving with daikon sprouts and julienned lemon rind.

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Maki Sushi Futomaki: Seasoned Vegetables YIELD: 16 PIECES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 tablespoon

INGREDIENT

Wasabi powder

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Vegetables, julienned—(suitable vegetables include bamboo shoots, carrot, celery, daikon, spinach (squeeze especially well), green beans, asparagus, snow peas)

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Dashi

1 12 1 12 1 12 3 4

ounce, 15 ml

tablespoons

Warm water

Sugar

tablespoons

3 4

ounce, 22.5 ml

Mirin

tablespoons

3 4

ounce, 22.5 ml

Soy sauce

cup

2 tablespoons

6 ounces, 180 ml

Water

1 ounce, 30 ml

Rice vinegar

2 3 cups

Full sheet nori, toasted 21 ounces, 588 g

Cooked sushi rice

As needed

Soy sauce

As needed

Pickled ginger

PROCEDURE

1 2

Mix wasabi with warm water to make a paste and set aside to rest for 30 minutes.

3 4 5

Remove from heat, cool, and squeeze to remove excess liquid.

6

Place the nori shiny side down (textured side up) on top of the mat, with the shorter edge near you. Align the edge of the nori with the edge of the rolling mat so that the nori is squared off.

Combine vegetables, dashi, sugar, mirin, and 1 12 tablespoons soy sauce. Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are just tender. Make the tezu by stirring together the water and rice vinegar. Place the rolling mat in front so the bamboo pieces are horizontal. Cover with film, if desired.

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RECIPES

7

Dip fingers in to tezu and spread the rice over the nori, covering the surface from edge to edge but leaving a 1-inch (2.4 cm) portion of nori bare at the top. The rice should be about 14 inch (.6 cm) thick.

8

Use your finger to make a shallow indentation in the center of the rice that runs horizontally across.

9 10

Smear wasabi in the indentation and add half the vegetables down the center line. Place your fingers on top of the filling to help keep it in place and use your thumbs to lift the bamboo mat up and over, rolling it forward. Bring the bottom edge of the nori and rice up and over the filling to meet the end of the rice.

11

Squeeze your fingers back toward you, tucking under the bottom and far side of the roll. Doing so compresses the filling and rice to make a tight roll.

12 13

Remove the mat and gently squeeze the roll to firm it and round out its shape.

14

Moisten the blade of a thin, sharp knife and slice each roll into 8 × 1.8 cm) pieces. Wipe the blade with a clean, warm cloth between slices.

3 4

inch (19.2 ×

Arrange on a serving plate; serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.

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Horenso Goma-ae Spinach with Sesame Dressing

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

5 tablespoons

1 14 ounces, 35 g

Sesame seeds, toasted

1 tablespoon

1 3

Granulated sugar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

1 2

ounce, 10 g

teaspoon

3 14

cups

Dashi Tamari

7 ounces, 196 g

As needed

Spinach, washed Yuzu citron or lime rind

PROCEDURE

1

Grind toasted sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle until an oily paste. Add sugar, blending thoroughly. Add dashi a little at a time, mixing until smooth. Use additional dashi, if necessary, to make a smooth paste. Blend in tamari. (A food processor or blender can also be used to make the dressing.)

2 3 4 5

Cook spinach in salted boiling water for 45 seconds. Drain spinach and cool under running water. Squeeze tightly to remove excess water. Cut spinach into 1 12 inch (3.6 cm) lengths. Just before serving, toss the spinach with sesame dressing and garnish with yuzu citron or lime rind.

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RECIPES

Chawan Mushi

Savory Custard

SERVES 4 (6 OUNCES EACH)

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Chicken breast fillet

cup

As needed

Salt 1 4

4

4 ounces, 112 g

Shrimp, headed, peeled, deveined, cut in

2

2 ounces, 56 g

Shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, quartered

2 teaspoons

7 ml

Light soy sauce

4 1 21

inch (.6 cm) pieces

Large eggs cups

12 ounces, 360 ml

Pinch 1 teaspoon

Dashi Salt

5 ml

Mirin

8

Watercress leaves, stems removed

Garnish

Yuzu citron or lemon rind, julienned

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Remove any sinew from the chicken breast, lightly salt, and let stand 15 minutes.

4

Blanch chicken and shrimp in salted boiling water for about 10 seconds. Drain and wipe dry.

5 6 7 8 9

Toss shrimp, chicken, and mushrooms with 1 12 teaspoon soy sauce. Let stand 15 minutes.

10

Remove film and place a watercress leaf on top of each ramekin; steam for 30 seconds. Remove from steamer and cover with a lid to keep warm.

11

Serve the custard with a spoon. Garnish with yuzu or lemon rind.

Wipe chicken with a paper towel to remove the salt and exuded juice. Cut the fillet in half diagonally, then halve the two pieces crosswise into 12 -inch (1.2 cm) pieces.

Wipe dry with paper towel and divide equally among four custard cups or ramekins. Beat eggs lightly, add remaining soy sauce, dashi, salt, and mirin, and mix again. Strain egg mixture through a fine sieve; divide among ramekins. Wrap the ramekins with film and steam custard for 2 minutes over high heat; reduce heat to medium and continue to steam for 13 minutes or until clear liquid runs out when a wooden skewer is inserted. It is important that the steam temperature is not too high; the custard should be silky and smooth, similar to soft tofu.

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J A PA N

Buta Teriyaki Pork on Skewers

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Mirin

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Sake

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Shoyu

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

2 pounds

896 g

Pork tenderloin, cleaned and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon

5g

Fresh ginger root, grated

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion, minced

1 4

inch (.6 cm) thick

PROCEDURE

1

To make teriyaki sauce, over medium heat, combine the mirin and sake for 5 minutes. Add shoyu and sugar; stir to dissolve the sugar.

2 3 4 5

Cook over low heat for 25 minutes; cool before using. Combine remaining ingredients with teriyaki sauce and marinate for 1 hour. Thread the pork on 4 skewers, reserving marinade. Grill (broil) for 3 minutes on each side, basting frequently with the marinade. Serve immediately with plain white rice.

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RECIPES

Nasu No Karashi Mustard-Pickled Eggplant AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Water

1 tablespoon

1 2

Salt

6

Small Japanese elongated eggplants

ounce, 15 g

Dressing 1 21 teaspoons

7g

3 tablespoons

1 21

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Mirin

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

Dry mustard or wasabi ounces, 45 ml

Shoyu

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Cut eggplant crossways into slices about

1 8

inch (2.5 mm) thick, then cut into quarters.

Combine water and salt; add eggplant and soak for 1 hour. Drain eggplant and pat dry. Combine remaining ingredients to make the dressing, mix well. Combine eggplant and dressing. Chill for 2 hours or longer to combine flavors before serving.

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Kamonanban Soba Soba with Duck and Long Onions

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2

8 ounces, 224 g

Duck breast, excess fat removed and reserved

14 ounces

392 g

Dried soba noodles

1 1 4

Naganegi long onion, or 4 thick scallions cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Sake

6 cups

48 ounces, 1440 ml

Kakejiru, warm to hot (recipe follows)

1 cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Watercress leaves

As needed

Seven-spice powder

PROCEDURE 1 4

1 2

Slice duck breast diagonally into

3

Heat reserved duck fat over medium heat; cook until fat covers the bottom of the pan. Remove the solid duck fat.

4

Add duck and long onion or scallion; cover and cook until the surface of the duck turns whitish and the bottom is slightly golden.

5

Turn the duck and long onion, sprinkle with sake, cover, and continue to cook 2 more minutes.

6 7 8 9 10

inch (.6 cm) thick slices.

Cook noodles al dente; drain and rinse under cold running water, rubbing them between your hands until they are cold and no longer starchy. Drain well.

Add duck and onions to the kakejiru. Add noodles and reheat for 1 to 2 minutes. Divide noodles among the serving bowls and pour over hot broth. Serve noodles topped with duck, onion, and watercress. Sprinkle with seven-spice powder.

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RECIPES

Kakejiru Broth for Hot Noodles Y I E L D : 1 Q U A R T, 3 2 O U N C E S , 9 6 0 M L

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 quart

32 ounces, 960 ml

Ichiban dashi

1 21 tablespoons

3 4

Granulated sugar

1 21

10 g

Salt

1 tablespoon

1 2

Shoyu

1 21

8 ml

teaspoons

teaspoons

ounce, 21 g

ounce, 15 ml

PROCEDURE

1

Bring all ingredients to a slow boil over low heat.

Light soy sauce

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J A PA N

Tempura Portuguese missionaries first brought tempura to Japan in the sixteenth century, but there are many legends about its origins. One is that it was named after the Buddhist curator who, centuries ago, invented the dish to please his noble lord. Another explanation is that the word tempura is broken down into three kanji, or picture characters: tem, signifying heaven; pu, signifying woman; and ra, meaning silken gauze; the combination means something like “woman veiled in silken gauze, giving a glimpse of heaven.” Tempura refers to vegetables or seafood that have been battered and deep-fried. Tempura reflects many qualities of the Japanese cuisine; absolutely fresh ingredients, artful presentation, and the perfection of a technique. When correctly executed, tempura results in a fried food that is light and fresh tasting, a triumph of Japanese cooking. The secret to tempura’s crispiness is in its batter coating, or more precisely, the lumps, which are apt to form in the tenuous mixture of egg, ice water, and flour. Because these ingredients remain unmixed, each morsel dipped to the bottom of the batter is coated in an egg-water-flour sequence. The batter must be made in small batches and not left to stand. If the batter is overmixed, the result will be armorlike pancake casing, rather than the crispy coating the Japanese call a koromo, or “cloak.” The Japanese claim that they can tell the difference between tempura made by a five-year “novice” and a twenty-year veteran, so subtle is the chemistry at work in the tempura chef’s powdery-ringed batter bowl.

Traditional Tempura Batter YIELD: 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 1 2

INGREDIENT

Large egg cup

1 cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Ice cold club soda or water

4 ounces, 112 g

Rice flour

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine egg and club soda or water.

3 4

Let rest at least 15 minutes but no more than 1 hour before using.

Add the flour to the liquid and stir together with chopsticks. Do not overmix; the batter should be a bit lumpy. If too thick, add water to achieve the consistency of whipping cream; stir with chopsticks.

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RECIPES

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura

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J A PA N

Shrimp and Vegetables AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

8

8 ounces, 224 g

Shrimp (16–20 count)

As needed

All-purpose flour

Oil for frying

80/20 blend of vegetable oil and sesame oil, minimum 2 inches deep, heated to 350◦ F (180◦ C)

8

Small button mushrooms, stems removed

1

8 ounces, 224 g

8 slices 8 ounces

Zucchini, cut diagonally into 8 slices, thick Lotus root, cut into

224 g

As needed

1 4

1 3

inch (.8 cm)

inch (.6 cm) rings

Sweet potato, peeled, cut diagonally into eight slices 1 4 inch (.6 cm) thick Tentsuyu (dipping sauce; recipe follows)

Garnish 1 2

cup

2 tablespoons

3 ounces, 84 g

Daikon, grated

1 ounce, 28 g

Fresh ginger root, grated

PROCEDURE

1

Peel shrimp, being careful to retain the tails for handling. Cut the back of the shrimp along the vein and wash in cold water to remove.

2 3

Spread the shrimp out flat with the tail end toward you.

4

Using the side of your hand tap shrimp, cut side up, gently pushing out and away with lengthwise strokes from tail to blunt end of the shrimp, being careful not to destroy the shrimp. The object is to spread it to 1 12 –2 times its original size.

5

Dip shrimp in flour and let set for 5 to 10 minutes to assure a good adhesion of batter to shrimp in frying.

6 7

Prepare oil for frying; be sure to maintain heat while frying.

Make two shallow vertical cuts the length of each half. This cuts the muscles to prevent curling during frying.

Have all the vegetables and shrimp ingredients ready: coat with batter, and cook similar ingredients together for even cooking, frying until light golden. Fry in small batches, turning frequently with clean chopsticks. The pieces should move freely.

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RECIPES

8

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately. Between batches, skim off the small bits of batter (tenkasu) that float in the oil. The Japanese save these bits of tenkasu to use as croutons in soup or over rice.

9

Serve with dipping sauce and garnish. Diners should mix together dipping sauce and garnish according to taste.

Tentsuyu Tentsuyu is a dipping sauce served with fresh hot fried foods, such as tempura. Dipping hot foods in tentsuyu cools them a little and provides additional flavor. The sauce is served warm or at room temperature. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Ichiban dashi

3 tablespoons

1 21 ounces, 458 ml

Light soy sauce

1 teaspoon

5 ml

Shoyu

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Mirin

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine all and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Serve in individual serving bowls, warm or at room temperature.

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Goma-anko Manju Steamed Dumplings with Sweet Azuki Paste and Sesame Seeds

YIELD: 12 DUMPLINGS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

4 12 ounces, 135 ml

Anko (sweet azuki bean paste; recipe follows)

2 ounces, 60 ml

Water

cup

2 tablespoons 1 teaspoon 3 4

cup plus 2 tsp

1 2

teaspoon

Black sesame seeds, toasted 3 ounces, 84 g

Cake flour Baking powder

5 tablespoons

2 12

ounces, 70 ml

Water

4 12

2 14

ounces, 63 g

Granulated sugar

tablespoons

PROCEDURE

1

Combine anko and 2 tablespoons water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thoroughly mixed. Add sesame seeds and stir to mix. Cool to room temperature. Divide into 12 portions.

2 3

Sift together flour and baking powder.

4 5

Combine flour and sugar water to form a ball. Let stand, covered, for 30 minutes.

6

On a floured counter, knead the dough briefly, 10 to 20 times. The dough should be somewhat soft. Roll the dough into a long, thin log, and cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Flatten dough with palms into a 1-inch (2.4 cm) disk, 18 inch (.3 cm) thick.

7

Wrap the dough around each portion of bean paste (about 1 teaspoon), so you have 12 dumplings (shao mai style). To fill each dumpling, place a wrapper on the palm of your hand and cup it loosely. Place one filling in the cup. Then, with the other hand, gather the sides of the wrapper around the filling, letting the wrapper pleat naturally. Squeeze the middle gently to make sure the wrapper fits firmly against the filling, and to give the cylinder a wasp-waisted look. Tap the dumpling to flatten the bottom so it can stand upright.

8

Transfer to steamer and cook over high steam for 8 to 10 minutes. Serve with green tea.

Combine 5 tablespoons water and the sugar; cook mixture to dissolve sugar; cool to room temperature. Line a bamboo or metal steamer basket with parchment paper and place steamer on boiling water.

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RECIPES

Anko Sweet Azuki Bean Paste

YIELD: 19 OUNCES

Sweet bean paste is available at most Asian markets. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Dried azuki beans

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Granulated sugar

PROCEDURE

1

Over medium heat, combine dried beans and 4 cups (32 ounces, 960 ml) water. Bring to a boil, drain, and discard the water.

2

Repeat with 4 cups (32 ounces, 960 ml) water and bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, until tender, 60 minutes. Add more water, if necessary; at the end of the cooking time the beans should barely be covered with liquid.

3

In a food processor or blender, blend the beans with some of the cooking liquid to a smooth puree. Press the puree through a fine sieve; yield should be about 2 14 cups.

4 5

Transfer pureed beans to cheesecloth, make a sachet, close the ends, and grip tightly.

6

Discard the water and rinse again using fresh cold water. Remove and squeeze the cloth to remove excess water.

7

Combine pureed beans, sugar, and boil and reduce heat to low.

8

Cook until the mixture resembles soft peanut butter, about 20 minutes. cool quickly. Use a shallow pan to spread the mixture out and expose maximum surface, or use and ice bath (place the bean spread over in a container into an ice bath and stir frequently to avoid hot spots and to enhance cooling.

Plunge the cloth into a bowl of cold water, enough to completely cover and rinse the beans by squeezing the cloth in the water.

1 3

cup (80 ml) water over medium-low heat; bring to

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China The Land China shares its border with twelve countries. To the north is Mongolia, the east North Korea, and the northeast and northwest, Russia. Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan are to the west and southwest, and to the south are Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. China’s coastline is bounded by the Bohai, Yellow, East, and South China seas. With a population of 1.3 billion and a land area of 3.7 million square miles, China dominates not only Asia, but the entire world. It has about 22 percent of the total world population, but only some 6.5 percent of the world’s land area. The diversity of China is best recognized in the features of the landscape. China is a rugged country, with mountains, hills, and plateaus occupying about 65 percent of the total land area. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, stands on the border between China and Nepal. Moving north, the terrain drops to between 3,280 and 6,560 feet above sea level. Here are the famous grasslands of Mongolia, important to cattle breeding, and the Gobi Desert. In the northwest is the largest desert in China, the Taklamakan Desert, through which the ancient Silk Road passed. Nearby, bordered by the Tian Mountains, is the Turfan Depression; known as the Oasis of Fire, its temperatures can reach 120◦ F. In central China is the Yang Zi river delta, an important agricultural area, heavily populated. Further south, the geography changes more dramatically, with unusually shaped cliffs, gorges, and waterfalls. The growth of civilization in China has centered on three great river systems, all of which flow from west to east. The northern quarter is drained by the Huang He (Yellow River); the middle half of the country is drained by the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River, the third longest

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H I S TO RY

in the world); and the southern quarter of China is dominated by the Xi Jiang (West River). The two noted cities of Guangzhou (formerly Canton) and Hong Kong are situated at the mouth of the West River. These river systems were the cheapest and most practical form of transportation, and were an important source for irrigation and energy. The river valleys also provided fertile soils for the surrounding level land. As a result, much of China’s population is concentrated along these rivers and reaches its highest and most extensive density at their mouths.

History China has one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. It is thought that some form of organized society began around 2000 B.C., and throughout the centuries, China has made significant world contributions in philosophy, religion, science, math, politics, agriculture, writing, and the arts. Confucius, whose teachings and writing still influence Chinese thought, lived during the Zhou Dynasty, about 2,500 years ago. The Confucian classics were the guide for Chinese civilization, highlighting education and family as the foundation of society. Taoists believed that people should renounce worldly ambitions and turn to nature and the Tao, the eternal force that permeates everything in nature. Buddhism has become a very powerful belief system for the Chinese. It provided a refuge in the political chaos that followed the fall of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220). By the fifth century A.D., Buddhism was widely embraced throughout China. Over the centuries, openness to new ideas fostered the emergence of many Chinese inventions and discoveries. The ancient Silk Road was established over 2,000 years ago. It started at the Han capital of Changan (today’s Xian) and stretched west for 4,350 miles. Crossing mountains and deserts, it branched into two routes, one going through central and western Asia to the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, the other crossing the Aral and Caspian Seas to Constantinople (Turkey). From here, silk was carried on to Rome and Venice. Chinese silk and the four great Chinese inventions—paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass—made their way to the rest of Asia and to Europe along this route. In return, merchants brought religion, and the art and culture of these foreign regions to China. Trade along the route brought and enriched the northern provinces with herbs, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Coriander, sesame seeds, grapes, walnuts, peas, and garlic were imported from the west and became a hallmark of much of northern Chinese cooking. The Chinese government has always been characterized by some form of central authority, dating as far back as the Xia Dynasty of 2200 B.C. Subsequent dynasties reinforced cultural unity and continuity for the Chinese civilization. One dynasty succeeded another through warfare, but with only occasional intrusion by forces outside of China. The lack of outside

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CHINA

contacts allowed the Chinese to develop one culture across many regions with a strong sense of national identity. A series of emperors served as political leaders supported by wellequipped armies. The Chinese people believed their emperors ruled by “Mandate of Heaven.” These dynasties continued over the centuries until the opening of China to the West in the 1800s. The twentieth century saw dynamic forces change the political landscape of China. Shortly after the century began, the ages-old imperial dynastic system was swept away. Along the way, the country survived occupation by foreign troops, a short-lived republican government, a failed attempt at monarchical restoration, a war against Japan, and five years of civil war. The People’s Republic of China emerged on October 1, 1949, a Communist government under the authoritarian Chairman Mao Zedong. By century’s end, global realities forced China to experiment with forms of capitalism. Over the last half century, there has been major land and social reform, the Great Leap Forward Campaign, the Cultural Revolution, famine, the market reforms of Deng Xiaoping, and the move to put China on the world political and economic map. Through it all, Chinese culture has endured and even thrived. A strong sense of unity has held the Chinese nation together through 4,000 years. Its stable territorial boundaries, borders that defy easy penetration, culture, language, rich philosophy, and political institutions have allowed China to remain unified through dynastic changes and periodic social upheavals. The country has proved resilient and enduring.

The People China is a united multi-ethnic nation of 56 ethnic groups. According to the fourth national census, taken in 1990, the Han people made up 92 percent of the country’s total population, and the other 55 ethnic groups, 8 percent. China’s ethnic groups include Zhuang, Uygurs, Mongols, Tibetans, and others scattered over vast areas, mainly in the border regions. The peasants of China make up 80 percent of the population and are the backbone of the economy. They alone make up one-third of all the farmers in the world. Feng shui, or “wind and water,” is about living in harmony with the natural environment and tapping the goodness of nature for good fortune and health. It was first practiced in ancient China by farmers, to whom wind and water were the important natural forces that could either destroy or nurture their crops. Feng shui has developed into an art of locating buildings and other man-made structures (for example, fountains and bridges) to harmonize with and benefit from the surrounding physical environment. Yin and yang is a concept in Chinese philosophy that consists of two opposing yet complementary forces. Yin is the female, passive, cool force. Yang is the male, active, hot force. These forces are engaged in an endless cycle of movement and change. This is best illustrated

T H E

Mt. Everest

TIBET Lhasa

T I B E TA N

U

W O R L D

QINGHAI

S

Lanzhou

China

iR Yangz .

Zhengzhou

JIANGSU

HUBEI

Heng Shan

HUNAN

Changsha

J I ANGXI

Nanchang

JILIN

Changchun

TAIWAN

Taipei

& MACAU

Fuzhou

East China Sea

Putuo Shan

Shanghai

SHANGHAI

Yellow Sea

Hangzhou ZHEJIANG

FUJIAN

Jiuhua Shan Huang Shan

Hefei Lake Tai ANHU I

Lu Shan

Wuhan

GUANGDONG Guangzhou Hong Kong HONG KONG HONG KONG Beihai GUANGXI Nanning

SOUTHWEST

GUIZHOU Guiyang

Chongqing

Tai Shan

SHANDONG Kaifeng

LIAONING

Shenyang

EASTERN CENTRAL Nanjing H E N A N CHINA

T H E YA N G Z I R I V E R

VIETNAM

Erhai THE Lake Kunming

SHANXI

Song Shan

BEIJING TIANJIN Tianjin HEBEI Shijiazhuang Jinan

Beijing

W

BEIJING, TIANJIN & HEBEI

Taiyuan

E Y

Hohhot

TH ng R.

Xi'an

Hua

ND

SHAANXI

OU

NINGXIA

GANSU

Chengdu

AR Yinchuan Yínchu n

SICHUAN

Xining

YUNNAN

GANSU T E Jiayuguan

R O

Yellow River.

P L AT E A U OF TIBET

S I L K

LO EL

ER

2:42

XINJIAN

T H E

RIV

THE NORTHEAST

May 23, 2008

Urumqui

INNER MONGOLIA

HEILONGJIANG

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by the taiji, a symbol that shows a light patch and a dark patch winding around each other. This symbol illustrates how each of the two forces contains some of the opposing force. As yang reaches its peak, it changes into yin. As the cycle continues and yin peaks, it changes into yang. This never-ending cycle of peaks and valley expresses the Chinese view of life, history, and everything else in the world.

The Food Not surprisingly, given China’s size, there are a number of distinct regional cooking styles that can be divided into four major traditions: the northern plains, including Beijing; the fertile east, watered by the Yangtze River; the south, famous for the Cantonese cooking of the Guangdong Province; and the luxuriant west of Szechwan and Hunan Provinces. Some observers characterize those regional cuisines as salty in north, sweet in south, hot in east, and sour in west.

NORTH CHINA

Severe winters, a short growing season, and arid climate shape the hearty cuisine of China’s north. The staples are wheat, barley, millet, potatoes, and soybeans, as opposed to rice, which characterizes the other regions. Noodles such as cellophane noodles (made from mung bean flour), rice ribbon noodles (made from rice flour), and breads such as steamed wheat buns, pancakes, and dumplings are the base of the meal. Soy milk is extracted from soybean paste and used to make bean curd, commonly known as tofu. Tofu is used in a variety of ways because it absorbs the flavor of sauces and seasonings, readily resulting in very tasty dishes. The most commonly eaten vegetable is Chinese cabbage, or bok choy. Salted and pickled vegetables such as turnips and white radish are common. The food is flavored with onions, garlic, and dark soy sauce. Soybean paste is the basis of many other pastes like hoisin (also known as Chinese barbeque sauce or plum sauce) and yellow bean, usually used to thicken sauces or as a marinade or seasoning. The northern portion of China also has a distinct Mongolian influence, characterized by the nomadic simplicity of the fire pot. Fuel being scarce in this region, the Mongols would huddle around the fire pot warming their hands while a tureen of broth was heating. Paper-thin slices of lamb or beef were dipped into the boiling broth until cooked and then dipped in spicy sauces. After the meal, the then richly seasoned broth was poured into bowls and served as soup. Northern cooking is known also as Mandarin or Beijing cooking and was influenced by the imperial court, where royal haute cuisine was developed. Peking duck is a traditional delicacy where thin slices of barbecued duck skin, wrapped in thin pancakes, are eaten with hoisin sauce. Beijing is known for jiaozi, the traditional Chinese

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THE FOOD

dumpling filled with pork and vegetables, but variations may include sweet fruits or chestnuts during the holidays.

CENTRAL CHINA

The central coast provinces are known as “The Land of Fish and Rice” and produce the eastern style of cooking, based on fresh seafood and river fish. Wheat, barley, rice, corn, sweet potatoes, and soybeans are the major staple crops. Sugar cane is grown in the humid valleys. Numerous varieties of bamboo shoots, beans, melons, gourds, squashes, and leafy vegetables are found here, and peaches, plums, and grapes flourish. Based around the cities of Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Fujian, as well as the Yangtze River, eastern Chinese cuisine includes careful preparation and fine knife skills, delicate forms, and light, fresh, sweet flavors based on the use of stocks and slow cooking. Stir-fried dishes and steaming are also common cooking methods. Dried and salted meats and preserved vegetables are commonly used to flavor dishes. It was in this region that Chinese vegetarian cuisine was elevated to sophisticated heights, as a result of the wealth of ingredients and the expertise of the regional chefs. One of the most striking features in eastern cooking is the quantity of sugar included in both vegetable and meat cooking. Sugar combined with a dark soy sauce creates perhaps the most fundamental eastern flavor. Rice wine appears in regional specialties such as Drunken Chicken, Drunken Spare Ribs, and Drunken Prawns. Regional specialties include soy-braised duck and goose and Beggar’s Chicken, a dish wrapped in lotus leaves, covered in clay, and oven baked. Century egg is also known as a preserved egg, or thousand-year egg. It is made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail egg in clay, ash, salt, or lime, for several weeks or months. The yolk of the egg turns pale and dark green, while the egg white turns dark brown and translucent. The egg white has a gelatinous texture, similar to that of a cooked egg, but has very little taste. Wuxi spare ribs features the common eastern technique of “red cooking,” in a stock of soy sauce and rice wine to produce a flavorful stew. Hangzhou and the West Lake area boast the delicate ham known as jinhua, a type of cured ham known for its smoky flavor and scarlet color, and the world-famous Dragon Tea Well, for which only the top three leaves of each branch are considered worthy. Shanghai is known for its unusual “soup inject” dishes (xiao long bao, or xiao long tang bao), which are meatballs, dumplings, or buns filled with a gelatin and stock mixture and cooked until the inside is soupy.

WESTERN CHINA

Western China is known for Sichuan, or Szechuan, cooking. A basin in the southwestern part of the country, Sichuan is one of the most agriculturally productive areas in China. Broken by small hills, the countryside is cut into squares, each an irrigated paddy field. Rice is grown during the summer, and after it has been harvested in the late autumn, wheat is planted in its

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place to be harvested six months later. The government, which controls all the supplies of grain in China, uses the surplus to help feed the big cities further east. On the lower slopes of the hills are an abundance of citrus fruit orchards (tangerines in particular) and bamboo groves, while on the higher forested mountainsides the people collect various kinds of edible fungi, such as muer (wood-ears) and silver fungi. The western half of Sichuan is very mountainous and sparsely populated. The people, mainly of Tibetan origin, keep sheep, cows, and horses. The tea plant has long been of great agricultural importance for China. Its origins trace to the second century A.D., when it was grown in plantations in the uplands of central China and the ranges of the coastal provinces. Tea is also important in the interior Sichuan province. Green tea accounts for 45 percent of tea production. Black and brick tea comprise another 45 percent, and wulung, chrysanthemum, and jasmine tea are other varieties. Yunnan grows magnificent teas, especially the exotic pu-erh, that is sometimes aged for up to a hundred years before being served at banquets. Another well-known product is Yunnan ham (similar to Spanish serrano). China’s west also grows some of the world’s hottest chile peppers, which have given Sichuan a reputation for heat. There are several thoughts behind this; one is that the fire will stimulate the palate to distinguish the flavors beneath; another is that the heat induces perspiration and helps people to keep cool; and some say the spices are used to mask the taste of foods that rot quickly in the heat. The texture of different ingredients in a dish is important to western Chinese cooking and care is taken to produce “chewy” and “crunchy” results. Unlike dishes in eastern China, many western dishes are accompanied by only the minimum of sauce to convey the seasonings; the sauce itself is not an important feature in the dish. The resulting dishes are drier. Similar to the southern regional cuisine, it is usual to find garlic, chiles, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in one dish. Because of the region’s humidity, the preservation of food takes top priority. Salting, drying, pickling, and smoking are traditionally all employed. Pungent vegetables like onions, garlic, and ginger are used, as well as aromatic sesame, peanuts, soybean products, fermented black soybeans, orange peel, aniseed, ginger, and spring onions. Also known as pepper flower, Chinese pepper, and fagara, Szechuan pepper is not a pepper at all. Instead, the reddish-brown fruit, one of the ingredients in five-spice power, is a berry that comes from the prickly ash tree. While not as hot as chile pepper, it has a unique flavor, famous for its numbing effect on the tongue. Some notable Szechuan dishes include kung pao chicken, tea-smoked duck, chengdu chicken (chicken cubes with hot bean paste), and mapo tofu, a snow-white bean curd with fried, minced beef and green garlic shoots flavored with crushed peppercorns.

SOUTH CHINA

Hunan (south of the river) cuisine is less well known and descriptions of Chinese cuisine often lump the two together. Hunan cuisine is often even hotter than Szechuan cooking.

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While Szechuan recipes often call for chile paste, Hunan dishes frequently use fresh chile peppers, including the seeds and membranes, where most of the heat is contained. Simmering, steaming, stewing, and frying are popular cooking techniques in Hunan Province. Hunan cooks have a great variety of ingredients to work with and they tend to have several steps in preparation. For example, a classic Hunan dish is orange beef, where the beef is marinated overnight, then washed and marinated again with a mixture including egg white, wine, and white pepper. In braised soy sauce beef, the meat is simmered in an aromatic mixture including star anise, sugar, ginger, soy sauce, and sherry. Another popular dish is crispy duck, where the duck is seasoned with peppercorns, star anise, fennel, and other spices, then steamed and finally deep fried. China’s southernmost province, Guangdong (formerly Canton), is the home of the most famous of the Chinese regional cuisines. Though densely populated, this is very fertile land with mild winters. Rice is the main staple, but the farmers grow a profusion of fruit and green vegetables throughout the year. The subtropical climate is perfect for fruits such as pineapple, lychee, oranges, and bananas. Subtler than other Chinese cuisines, Cantonese is best known for its freshness and emphasis on natural flavors. As an example of the high standard for freshness in Cantonese meals, cows and pigs used for meat are usually killed earlier the same day. Chickens are often killed just hours beforehand, and fish are displayed in tanks for customers to choose for immediate preparation. The spices used in Cantonese cooking tend to be light and natural: ginger, salt, soy sauce, white pepper, spring onion, and rice wine or fresh citrus. Fish is quickly steamed with minimal touches of ginger and soy sauce; soups are slow-cooked; pork and duck are barbecued or roasted; and virtually everything that walks, crawls, or flies with “its back to heaven” (as the Cantonese saying goes) is quickly stir-fried in blazing-hot woks. The people of this region are known to eat nearly everything: fish maw, snake liver, dog, and guinea pig are some of the more unusual ingredients. Guangdong is also praised for its perfected tradition of presentation. Cantonese cooks often make artistic and colorful presentational accents, such as radish roses or scallion flowers. Seafood flavors are incorporated into meat cookery, such as oyster sauce, made from a distillation of the oysters grown in the shallow waters of the Pear River, or shrimp sauce. Salted black beans are used to impart a highly savory taste; ginger is used to counteract fishiness; and garlic is used as an aromatic. Barbecue-roasted duck, chicken, and pork dishes are important here. Fruit is often included in Cantonese cooking, especially lemon, plum, tangerine, and orange, which are evident in the tangy, sweet-and-sour sauces. The tradition of dim sum (“touching the heart” or “little eats”) originated here. It is usually eaten in the mornings and early afternoons. Popular dim sum items are ha gau (shrimp dumpling), siu mai (prawn and pork dumpling), pai gwat (steamed spareribs), chun guen (spring rolls), cha siu pau (steamed barbecued pork buns), and cheung fun (steamed rice flour rolls with barbecue pork, beef, or shrimp). Other well-known Cantonese dishes include shark’s fin soup, roasted suckling pig, barbecued pork or char siu, lo mein, and the omelets known as fu young.

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Glossary Agar-Agar A Japanese seaweed product sold in the form of 8-inch long bars with 1-inch-

square cross section or thin sticks 18 inch in diameter. Usually colorless but sometimes dyed a deep red, it is used much like clear gelatin, but has a different texture. While gelatin gels are resilient, gels made of agar-agar liquid break cleanly on the bite. For best results, pass the boiled agar-agar liquid through a sieve to remove the undissolved particles before gelling. Agar-agar sticks, cut into 2-inch lengths, are often mixed with fresh cucumber shreds and soy sauce in a northern Chinese salad. A favorite agar-agar dessert is almond bean curd, which is agar-agar gel flavored with milk, sugar, and almond essence, but no bean curd. Amaranth Young leaves and stems of this decorative plant are a common vegetable (xiancai) in east and south China. Salt-preserved amaranth stems, thick as a thumb, is an east China specialty. Aniseeds Seeds from the anise plant, similar to fennel in both taste and appearance. Bacon, Chinese Meat from the belly of the pig, with lean and fat layers interlaced and skin

attached, is called five-flower meat in China, and is used extensively, especially in braised dishes in which 14 -inch-thick slices are separated by slices of starchy vegetables, such as taro. Winter-preserved meat (laro), often called Chinese bacon, also uses this cut, and is marinated first, then dried in the winter sun. Bamboo Fungi Often mistakenly thought to be the lining of the hollow bamboo stem, these

are a relative of the North American stinkhorn. The unique crisp texture is similar to bamboo shoots. This is one of the most expensive edible fungi in China, often three times more the price of French truffles. Bamboo Shoots Bamboo plants propagate by issuing shoots from below the ground. The

texture of the shoots changes with the seasons. Winter shoots, stubby and firm, have a meatlike chewiness; spring shoots are slender and tender; most commonly available are summer shoots, looser in texture, succulent, though inclined to be bitter. In North America fresh shoots are a rarity and the quality of canned shoots varies greatly with the brand. Winter and spring shoots are so specified on cans; unspecified ones are summer shoots, which should be ivory-white rather than yellow, and firm rather than mushy. Bean Cheese Also called fermented bean cake, or furu. A fermented soybean product in the

form of tiny yellow bricks, it is soft, salty, and pungent. It is used to accompany congee and oil-strips for breakfast. Subtle-tasting red bean cheese (nanru) is used extensively to flavor pork dishes and Cantonese snacks.

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Bean Curd The process of making bean curd from soybeans has much in common with

making cheese. Known as doufu in China and tofu in Japan and commonly called “meat without bones,” it is extremely high in protein. Although quite bland in taste, it absorbs the flavors of the food it is cooked with and is used in a number of dishes, from soups and sauces to stir-fries. It is offered in three texture grades; Soft—Soft and smooth, used mostly for soups and steamed dishes; Semi-soft; and Hard—More substantial, used mostly for cutting into slices and cubes, or pressed and then shredded. Bean Sprouts Sprouts from both soybeans and mung beans are used extensively in Chinese cooking. Mung bean sprouts have a fresh taste and a crisp, almost crystalline texture. This is true also of the stems of soybean sprouts. However, the large, yellow head of the latter is chewy and meatlike. Bird Chiles Tiny chiles, extremely hot. Bird’s Nest Nests formed on sheer cliffs made of dried swallow saliva, found in Malaysia,

Thailand, and Indonesia. The best ones are crystalline white, sometimes tinged with pink. Lower grades may be gray with adhered swallow down. Very expensive and getting rarer every year. Bitter Melon or Foo Gwa Also known as balsam pear, this is a very strange-looking gourd, shaped something like a cucumber with a rough, pockmarked skin. The flavor is unusual as well; like cilantro, it’s an acquired taste. Black Beans, Fermented These beans come already cooked, fermented, and seasoned with salt and ginger. They are widely used in stir-frying and steaming in country cooking all over south China. Blackfish Roe Dried roe of the blackfish (wu fish); thin slices are roasted and consumed as a

snack in Fujian and Taiwan. Broad Beans (Fava Beans) A very common vegetable, especially in north China. The pods are

poisonous and must be removed. Served as a vegetable in stir-fries, in soups, as a paste, or as a snack. Brown Sugar Chinese brown sugar comes in slabs like an elongated domino. Each slab looks like a sandwich, brown and solid top and bottom, and lightly yellow and powdery in between. Common brown sugar serves the same purpose except for the appearance. Cassia Blossoms, Preserved (Guihua) Tiny yellow flowers of the osmanthus preserved in sugar or

salt. They are used extensively in east and north China for their sweet fragrance in dumplings, pastries, and sauces. Caul or Lace Fat (Wangyou, “Net-fat”) This is a net of stringy fat that forms a casing, used for

wrapping food before cooking for a self-braising effect, to improve external appearance, and to add special chewiness.

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Cellophane Noodles (Fensi, Flour Threads, Bean Threads) Dried white threads made of the flour

of the mung bean, they turn translucent and resilient when cooked, and are important in country cooking. A related product is fenpi (flour skin), which is a platter-size sheet of the same material. Chestnuts Considered one of the best companions to chicken, available fresh or dried. The

Chinese chestnut is easy to peel and has a smooth surface. Dried chestnuts should be soaked for hours before use. Chestnut paste is used commonly in North China for cakes and fillings of pastries or puddings. Chile Pepper Products Chile pepper oil is red and very hot. It is a common table condiment and comes in two types: those made of ground chiles are orange red, somewhat like Tabasco sauce, but are thicker in consistency and are not vinegary; those made of crushed chiles often contain added ingredients such as ginger, fermented black beans, and shallots. Dried chile peppers are used liberally in Sichuan and Hunan cooking. Chile pepper powder is not found in Cantonese kitchens. Chinese Almonds Not really almonds at all, Chinese almonds are seeds of the apricot, and

come in two varieties. Southern almonds are mild, interchangeable in taste with American almonds; northern almonds are more bitter. A soup recipe may call for both types. American almonds are known to the herbist as flatpeach seed. Chinese Cabbage (Sui Choy) or Napa Cabbage Several types of Chinese cabbage exist. The

variety most commonly associated with Chinese cabbage is Napa cabbage, the large-headed cabbage with firmly packed, pale green leaves. It is also known as Peking cabbage and celery cabbage. Lining a bamboo steamer with cabbage helps prevent food from sticking to the bottom. Chinese Sausage or Lop Cheong Smaller (up to 6 inches in length) and thinner than western

sausages, these are usually made from pork or liver. The taste varies somewhat depending on the ingredients used, but they generally have a sweet-salty flavor. Chinese White Radish or Lo Bak Also known simply as white radish and in Japan as daikon,

this popular Asian vegetable has no resemblance to the round red radishes. Chinese cooks use it for soups and stir-fries. Chives, Chinese and Yellow Chinese chives, often called Chinese leeks, have the shape of chives

and the odor of leeks. They are used for stir-frying, for making egg pancakes, and for stuffing dumplings in north China cuisine. Yellow chives are grown in the dark; they are pale yellow and tender. Both Chinese chives and yellow chives are available in large Western Chinatowns. Chrysanthemums Fresh white chrysanthemum petals are edible. They are used as a garnish

for a number of banquet dishes or dried and used for tea. Chrysanthemum tea is popular with

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Cantonese people when eating dim sum and it is often sweetened with rock sugar. As with all edible flowers, they should not be exposed to pesticides. Cilantro or Chinese Parsley An aromatic herb with flat leaves, cilantro is the leaf of the

coriander plant. Featured prominently in Asian and Latin cuisines, Chinese cooks use cilantro in soups, stir-fries, and frequently as a garnish. Although a member of the parsley family, cilantro has a much stronger flavor, which its detractors have described as “soapy.” Cloud Ear, Black Ruffle-edged, thin, black mushrooms. Cloud ears are similar in appearance

to wood ears except wood ears are black with a brownish-tan inner color, whereas cloud ears are black with a slightly lighter shade of black as their inner color. Cloud ears have a more delicate, milder flavor and are much smaller than wood ears. Cloud ears reconstitute to a puffy, soft, smooth texture and delicate flavor. Congee Boiled rice porridge. Plain congee with oil-strips, bean cheese, and pickles is a standard

breakfast for many Chinese. Common in South China is congee with meat, chicken, roast duck, animal organs, and/or peanuts. Cornstarch (Cornflour) A powdery “flour,” nearly all starch, obtained from the endosperm of corn. Mixed with water to form a paste, it is often added to stir-fries as a thickening agent near the final cooking stages, as overcooked cornstarch loses its power as a thickener. If necessary, cornstarch can be used as a substitute for tapioca starch.

CUTTING TECHNIQUES Slicing Hold the knife vertical or horizontal to the cutting board and cut straight across

the ingredient. 1 8 1 -inch 8

Julienne and Shredding To get narrow strips, slice the ingredient into pieces of roughly

inch (.3 cm) thickness, stack two or three of these pieces, and cut them again into (.3 cm) sticks.

Dicing Make the julienne sticks above, line the sticks up perpendicular to the knife blade,

and cut straight down to get the size cubes called for in your recipe, usually 14 - to 12 -inch (.6 to 1.2 cm). Mincing Slice or dice the ingredient into small pieces, then using the tip of the knife as

a pivot, move only the lower blade in a chopping motion, from side to side across the ingredient until it is finely minced. Roll-cutting For carrots, zucchini, and other cylindrical vegetables, hold the knife perpen-

dicular to the board and slice down on a diagonal angle, then roll the vegetable a quarter turn and slice at the same angle; keep rolling and slicing a quarter turn at a time.

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Crushing A fast, easy way to smash ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, place the knife flat on

the ingredient with the blade facing away and press down hard on the blade with the palm of your hand. Dates, Chinese Red Also called jujube dates, these are sold in dried form. They are used in

soups, steamed chicken as garnish, and also as a filling for pastries. Dragon Well Tea This is the most well-known green tea, grown in Hangzhou Province near

Dragon Well Spring, the water of which is almost as famous. Dried Bean Curd Sticks Made from soybeans and water, bean curd sticks resemble long yel-

lowish icicles. They feel like thin plastic and break apart quite easily. They must be soaked overnight in cold water before use, or boiled for 20 minutes, or soaked in warm water for 1–2 hours. Dried Lily Buds Also known as golden needles and tiger lilies, dried lily buds are the unopened

flowers of day lilies. Dried lily buds are yellow-gold in color, with a musky or earthy taste. Before using, cut off about 41 inch at the bottom to get rid of the woody stem. Like many other “woodsy” Chinese vegetables, lily buds must be soaked in warm water before use, for about 30 minutes. Dried Shrimps Made from small shrimp tails, usually sun-dried. Dried Tangerine Peel Soak the tangerine peel in warm water to soften it before using. Duck, Preserved (Laya, Winter-Preserved Duck) A salted whole duck, flattened into a roughly circular disc and dried. The best ones come from Nanan in Jiangxi Province, just north of the border with Guangdong. Preserved duck from Nanking is called banya (board duck). Eggs, Thousand-Year-Old Duck eggs that have been preserved in potash, they acquire a blue-

black yolk and a translucent brown egg white. Fennel An important ingredient in five-spice powder and in lu, the south China simmering

sauce. Aniseed is often substituted. Fish Lips and Fish Maws Fish lips are the meaty part of the shark near the mouth and fins. Fish maws are dried, deep-fried bladders of a large fish, usually cod. Fish Sauce Fish sauce is a thin, salty liquid used in place of salt as a seasoning in many Asian

recipes. It is also used as a dipping sauce. Chinese brands are often labeled “fish gravy” or “fish sauce,” while it is called nuoc mam in Vietnam and nam pla in Thailand. However, they are all basically the same product, although the Thai and Vietnamese brands are considered superior. Five-Spice Powder A common ingredient in Chinese cooking, this delicious mixture of five

ground spices usually consists of equal parts of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Szechwan peppercorns.

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Fuzzy Melon (Mo Gwa) Looks like a zucchini covered with fuzz. While zucchini is a type of

squash, fuzzy melon is a gourd, related to winter melon. Peel off the skin or scrub well to remove the fuzz before using. Gingko Nuts or White Nuts Typically used in desserts and stir-fries. Substitute blanched al-

monds or pine nuts. Ginger The roots of the ginger plant, an indispensable ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Valued

for its clean, sharp flavor, ginger is used in soups, stir-fries, and marinades. It is especially good with seafood, as it can cover up strong fish odors. Green Onion, Spring Onion, or Scallion An immature onion with a white base (not yet a bulb)

and long green leaves. Both parts are edible. Hair Vegetable (Facai) Freshwater algae, with the appearance of course, dull, black human

hair. Valued in vegetarian cuisine. Hoisin Sauce A thick sauce valued for its unique combination of sweet and spicy flavors.

It is made from soybean paste and flavored with garlic, sugar, chiles, and other spices and ingredients. Hot Mustard A popular condiment served with Chinese appetizers; you’ll also often find it

added to sauces in Japanese dishes. It is made by mixing dry mustard powder with water, causing a chemical reaction that produces a sharp, hot taste. Hua Diao (“Flower-Engraved”) The best yellow wine from Xiaoxing Province. Lo Mein In this dish, boiled and drained noodles are added to the other ingredients and stir-

fried briefly during the final stages of cooking. This gives the noodles more flavor than is the case with chow mein, where the meat and vegetables are served over noodles that have been cooked separately. Lotus root Grows underwater. It is starchy when cooked, but crispy and refreshing when

raw. Slices of the lotus root have a beautiful pattern. Substitute water chestnuts or jicama. Lychee Also called litchi, lichee, lichi, leeched, and laichee. Popular Chinese fruit about the size of a walnut, with a bumpy red shell encasing white translucent pulp that’s similar in texture to a grape. The flavor is sweet, exotic, and very juicy. Lychee Nuts Also called litchi nut, lichee nut, lichi nut, and leechee nut. These are sun-dried litchis. The outer shells are brown and the meat inside looks like a large raisin. Marinade In Chinese cooking the primary reason meat is marinated before cooking is to improve flavor. The amount of marinade should be just sufficient to coat the meat or fish. Red meat is typically marinated with a little oil to prevent them from becoming dry and sticking

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together during the cooking process. Dark meat is marinated with whole egg and white meat and fish with egg white. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) A white crystalline compound used to enhance flavor. Note

that MSG may not be suitable for everyone. Mushrooms, Chinese Black Dried mushrooms. The name is a bit of a misnomer, since

Chinese black mushrooms can be light brown, dark brown, and even gray. They are frequently speckled. Chinese black mushrooms (also known as shiitake mushrooms) range in price from moderate to quite expensive. The more costly are often called flower mushrooms because they have a thick cap and a nice curl. The drying process gives them a stronger flavor. Before use, soak them in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes, and remove the stems. Mushroom Soy Sauce Soy sauce that has been infused with the flavor of straw mushrooms. Oil (Dipping) Poaching A technique used to give the meat a more tender texture, oil poaching

(also called velveting) seals the meat. Oyster Sauce A rich sauce made from boiled oysters and seasonings, it does not have a fishy

taste. Its savory flavor is used in meat and vegetable dishes, and is an important ingredient in Cantonese cooking. Red Cooking Similar to Western braising, the cooking liquid is a soy sauce–based liquid. Rice Vinegar Chinese rice vinegars are milder and less acidic than regular vinegar (as are

Japanese vinegars). There are three basic types—black, red, and white—as well as sweetened black vinegars. The black variety is somewhat similar to balsamic vinegar, while red vinegar has both a sweet and tart taste. White vinegar is the closest in acidity and flavor to cider vinegar. There are no hard and fast rules, but black vinegar is generally recommended for braised dishes and as a dipping sauce; red vinegar for soups, noodle, and seafood dishes; and white for sweet and sour dishes and for pickling. In recipes, rice vinegar is sometimes also called rice wine vinegar. Rice Wine Known colloquially as yellow wine, rice wine is a rich-flavored liquid made from fermented glutinous rice or millet and has a relatively low alcohol content. Aged for ten years or more, rice wine is used both in drinking and cooking. Pale dry sherry is the most acceptable substitute. Sesame Oil Amber-colored, aromatic oil, made from pressed and toasted sesame seeds. Not

for use as a cooking oil. Has an intense flavor and very low smoke point. Sesame Seed Paste Roasted sesame seeds ground to a thick aromatic paste. Shark’s Fin The pale yellow, translucent ligaments within the fins of the shark.

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Snow Peas Also known as mangetout, French for “eat it all.” The French name comes from the

fact that the whole pea including the pod is eaten. Snow Pea Shoots The tips of the vines and the top set of leaves of the pea plant are an Oriental

delicacy. They can be served raw in salads, quickly cooked in stir-fries, or blanched and used in soups. Soy Sauce Invented by the Chinese approximately 3,000 years ago, soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, wheat flour, water, and salt. The two main types of soy sauce are light and dark. As the name implies, light soy sauce is lighter in color, and also sweeter than dark soy sauce. Aged for a longer period of time, dark soy sauce is thicker and blacker in color. It is also less salty than light soy. It is used in certain recipes to add color, and as a dipping sauce. Star Anise Whole star anise looks like an eight-pointed star about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. It

gives a licorice flavor to savory dishes, particularly those with pork and poultry. Straw Mushrooms Delicate meaty texture and fine flavor, used for many soups and vegetable

dishes. Sugar, Rock Comes in chunks that look like crystals, has a subtle taste, and is used in most

braised or “red-cooked” dishes. Szechuan (Sichuan) Peppercorn Also called anise pepper, brown peppercorn, Chinese aromatic

pepper, Chinese pepper, flower pepper, sancho, Japanese pepper, Japan pepper, wild pepper, and fagara pepper. Reddish-brown peppercorns, native to Szechuan Province. Much stronger and more fragrant than black peppercorns. These aren’t true peppercorns, but rather dried flower buds. Tapioca Made from the starch of the cassava root, tapioca comes in several forms, including

granules and flour, as well as the pellets that are called pearl tapioca. Tapioca starch is often used to make dumpling dough, or as a thickening agent. Water Chestnuts A knobby vegetable with papery brown skin, it is an aquatic vegetable that

grows in marshes. Indigenous to Southeast Asia, the water chestnut is valued both for its sweetness and its ability to maintain a crisp texture when cooked. White-Cooking A typical Cantonese technique to cook a whole fowl or fish by immersing it in

boiling water. The heat is then turned off and the pot is covered until the item is done. The word for “white” in Chinese means “plain.” Winter Melon (Dong Gua) Resembles a large watermelon with dark green skin. The flesh inside

is white, looking much like it has been lightly covered with snow, and the seeds are white as well. Winter melon has a very mild, sweet taste. It is used in soups and stir-fries, where it absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it is cooked with.

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Wok The most important piece of Chinese cooking equipment, a wok can be used for stirfrying, deep-frying, steaming, and roasting. While a frying pan can be used in place of a wok for stir-frying (cast iron is particularly good), a wok has numerous advantages in shape, design, and material. It distributes heat more evenly, and requires less oil to cook with. There are two instruments traditionally used for cooking with a wok: a long-handled spoon and a long-handled perforated scoop with a slightly rounded edge. Wonton Wrappers Made of flour, water, salt, and eggs; sold fresh or frozen. The dough is cut

in 3 12 inch (8.75 cm) squares. Wood Ear Mushroom A distant relative of the cloud ear fungus. Larger and somewhat tougher, they lack the delicate taste of cloud ears. They can be soaked in cold instead of warm water.

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Menus and Recipes from China M E N U

O N E

( N O R T H )

Pungent and Hot Soup (Hot and Sour Soup) Mandarin Pancakes Jiao Zi or Guo-tieh: Pot-Stickers Chinese Egg Noodles Stir-Fried Bok Choy Vinegar-Slipped Fish Chunks Mo Shu, Moshu, Moo shu, or Mu Shu Pork (‘Wood Shavings Pork’) Fortune Cookies Lamb on Rice Sticks M E N U

T W O

( E A S T )

Wonton Soup Jellyfish and White Radish Salad Pearl Balls (Porcupine Meatballs) Emerald Shrimp Red-Cooked Duck Yangchow (Yangzhou) Fried Rice Shanghai Sweet-and-Sour Spareribs Bean Curd in Oyster Sauce M E N U

T H R E E

( W E S T )

Tea and Spice Smoked Quail with Sweet and Sour Cucumbers Ma-Puo (Mapo) Doufu Sichuan Stuffed Eggplant Kung Pao Chicken Stir-Fried Long Beans Dan Dan Mian: Spicy Noodles Fish-Flavored Pork Shreds Sichuan Spicy Fired Beef Shreds M E N U

F O U R

( S O U T H )

Spinach Velvet Soup Char Siu: Cantonese Roast Pork Char Sui Bau: Steamed Pork Buns Stir-Fried Squid with Fermented Black Bean Paste Buddha’s Delight Fried Chicken, Hong Kong Style Steamed Whole Fish Tea Leaf Eggs

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Pungent and Hot Soup Hot and Sour Soup

SERVES 4

Different versions of this soup are found in northern, eastern, central, and even southern China. This northern version has the lightest color. Chinese black mushrooms are the dried mushrooms sold in Asian grocery stores. The name is a bit of a misnomer, since Chinese black mushrooms can be light brown, dark brown, and even gray. They are frequently speckled. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Seasoning 1 teaspoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 12

Soy sauce

teaspoons

1 4

teaspoon

1 2

cup

Sugar 3 ounces, 84 g

Pork, lean boneless, julienned .3 × 5 cm)

1 12 teaspoons

7 ml

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

1 2

Soy sauce

1 8

×

1 8

× 2 inches (.3 ×

Hot and Sour Mixture

1 2

teaspoon

1 tablespoon 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

White pepper 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon

Black or rice vinegar Sugar

3 cups

Chicken stock

3

Medium dried black mushrooms, soaked in hot water 5 minutes, or until soft, rinsed thoroughly, tough ends trimmed; cut into 18 × 18 × 2 inch (.3 × .3 × 5 cm) pieces 1 4

1 2

cup

1 12

ounce, 4 g

3 ounces, 84 g

tablespoons

Dried black cloud ears, soaked in hot water 20 minutes, cut into 18 × 18 × 2 inch (.3 × .3 × 5 cm) pieces Bamboo shoots,

1 8

×

1 8

× 2 inches (.3 × .3 × 5 cm)

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

ounce, 15 ml

Water Soft bean curd,

1 8

×

1 8

× 2 inches (.3 × .3 × 5 cm)

1

Egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon

Green onion, minced

2 tablespoon

Cilantro leaves and short stems, 2 inches (5 cm)

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PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Mix seasoning ingredients and combine with julienne pork; mix well.

4

Reduce heat to low. Mix 1 12 tablespoons tapioca powder with the water and add gradually to soup, stirring constantly until thickened. Add bean curd.

5 6

Add hot and sour mixture to soup. Stir, correct seasoning.

Combine hot and sour mixture ingredients. Bring chicken stock to a boil; add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and pork shreds. Bring back to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Stir to separate pork shreds and cook for 5 minutes.

Return to a boil, using a ladle float the eggs in very thin petals. Immediately remove from heat. Allow soup to set for 15 seconds. Garnish with green onion and cilantro.

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Mandarin Pancakes SERVES 4

Chef Tip

Cooking pancakes in pairs makes the inside moist and assures a paper-thin pancake.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

All-purpose flour

3 4

6 ounces, 180 ml

Boiling water

cup

As needed

Sesame oil

PROCEDURE

1

Place the flour in a mixing bowl, making a well in the center. Add water to the flour, incorporating the flour by stirring it into the water with a wooden spoon or chopsticks. Let the dough cool slightly and turn onto a floured surface.

2

Knead for about 10 to 12 minutes or until smooth. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Knead an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

3

Roll the dough into a sausage shape, about 1 12 inches (3.6 cm) in diameter. Measure the cylinder and cut into 16 equal size pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Grease an area of the kneading board about 10 inches (24 cm) square with oil to prevent sticking. Moisten fingers with a bit of sesame oil. Flatten each ball into a 2-inch (4.8 cm) round and brush evenly with sesame oil on the surface. Place another round on top, forming a 2-layered round. Using a rolling pin, roll out this double-layered disk into a circle about 6 inches (14.4 cm) in diameter and 18 inch (.3 cm) thick. Grease the board with more oil if needed.

4

Roll 2 pancakes, then proceed with the cooking. Continue to roll and cook, 2 pancakes at a time, until all the dough is used up.

5

To cook, heat a griddle or heavy pan over medium heat until hot. Cook the pancake on an ungreased surface for 1 minute or until the surface puffs up and brown spots appear on the bottom side. Turn to brown on the other side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

6

Transfer pancakes to a clean plate and cover with foil or a lightly dampened cloth to keep moist and warm.

7

Separate the two layers carefully; fold into quarters, with the cooked side on the inside. Serve warm.

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RECIPES

Jiao Zi or Guo-tieh Pot-Stickers Chef Tip

Y I E L D : 2 5 T O 3 0 P O T- S T I C K E R S

The additional chicken stock is to insure a moist filling, and adds intensity.

Dough AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

All-purpose flour

1 8

teaspoon

1 2

cup

2 tablespoons

Salt 4 ounces, 120 ml

Boiling water

1 ounce, 30 ml

Cold water

PROCEDURE

1

Sift together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center add the boiling water. Mix together with a wood spoon or spatula.

2

Cover and let set for 5 minutes, and then add the cold water and mix to combine. Cover and let set for 15 minutes.

3

Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth, sprinkling additional flour as needed, for about 15 minutes.

4

Divide dough into two parts and roll each out 1 inch (2.4 cm) in diameter and about 12 inches (29 cm) long. Cut the rolls into 12 -inch (1.2 cm) slices. Lightly flour, then flatten and roll out each piece to a 3-inch (7.2 cm) diameter circle, 18 inch (.3 cm) thick. The wrappers can be dusted with tapioca powder and stacked.

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Chinese Egg Noodle This dough may also be used for wonton and egg-roll wrappers. Dough (optional dough) AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 34

9 14

All-purpose flour

cups

4 tablespoons 1 2

ounces, 260 g

1 13 ounce, 37 g

teaspoon

Salt

1

Egg

7 tablespoons 1 8 1 3

Bread flour

Water

teaspoon

3 12

ounces, 105 ml

Sesame oil

cup

1 12

ounces, 42 g

Cornstarch

PROCEDURE

1 2

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, process the flours and salt together.

3

Turn the dough, which should be barely sticky, onto a lightly floured board, and knead for 1 minute. Dough should be satiny and not stick to the palm of the hand. Cover and let rest 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4

To roll out with a pasta machine, roll the dough into a sausage shape 1 12 inch (3.6 cm) in diameter and cut into thirds. Flatten each piece to a rectangle about 41 inches (.6 cm) thick and lightly coat both sides with cornstarch. Pass the dough through the thickest setting. Then fold the dough into thirds, flatten, dust with cornstarch, and run it through the rollers again, feeding in the unfolded end first. Repeat the procedure three times. Turn the machine to the next thinnest setting, dust the dough, and roll it though unfolded. 1 Repeat this procedure with each setting until it is 16 inch (.15 cm) thick for pot-stickers.

5

Cut the dough, allow the cut pieces to dry about 10 minutes, then dust them with cornstarch and stack them.

Beat the egg with 5 tablespoons (2 12 ounces, 75 ml) water and sesame oil. Gradually add egg mixture, processing just until the dough begins to form a ball; add additional water if necessary. Process 10 seconds if using a pasta machine; process 30 seconds longer if rolling by hand.

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Filling AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Napa cabbage,

1 teaspoon

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Ground pork

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onion, minced

cup

2 teaspoons

Ginger, grated

1 tablespoon

Garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Dry sherry

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

2 teaspoons 1 2

cup

Rice vinegar 4 ounces, 120 ml

2 teaspoons

Chicken Stock, depending on the moisture content of the mixture Tapioca or cornstarch powder

For Frying 3 tablespoons

3 4

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

cup

ounce, 20 ml

1 teaspoon

Vegetable oil Water Vinegar

Ginger and Vinegar Sauce 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 ml

Ginger, finely shredded

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Chinese black (Chinkiang) or rice vinegar

1 2

Sesame oil

cup

1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

PROCEDURE

1

Mix cabbage with the 1 teaspoon salt. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then wrap in cheesecloth and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible.

2

Combine cabbage with remaining filling ingredients. It should bind together; if not, add a little more cornstarch.

3

To assemble the dumplings, place about 1 tablespoon filling in the center of each wrapper and shape the filling into a strip.

4

Fold the wrapper over to make a half-moon shape and pinch the edges together at the center of the arc, leaving the two ends open.

5

With your fingers, make about 3 to 4 pleats in one side of the opening at each end. Pinch all along the edges to seal.

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6

Remove the finished pot-sticker to a tray dusted with flour or cornstarch; keep covered with a cloth.

7

To cook, heat a heavy 10-inch (24 cm) skillet over high heat until drops of water sprinkled into it sizzle and dry up. Add oil to coat the bottom evenly.

8

Add enough pot-stickers to fill the pan, arranging them closely together with pleated sides up. Pan-fry over medium heat for 2 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.

9

Mix water with vinegar and add to skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the liquid is evaporated.

10

Remove cover and continue to pan-fry until they can be moved around easily. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving platter, brown side up.

11

Combine sauce ingredients. Serve pot-stickers hot with ginger and vinegar sauce on the side.

Chef Tip

Boiled dumplings (jiaozi) are made with the same filling. However, the dough is made

with only cold water. Assembly of the jiaozi is made simple by pinching the edges together instead of pleating. They are then boiled in salted water in the following manner: bring water to a boil and add the dumplings and stir immediately. When the water returns to the boil, add cold water to reduce the temperature. Cook for 5 minutes or until the jiaozi float to the top.

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RECIPES

Stir-Fried Bok Choy SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Sauce 1 teaspoon 2 tablespoons 1 4

Cornstarch 1 ounce, 30 ml

teaspoon

3 tablespoons

Chicken stock. Sesame oil

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

To taste

Oil Salt and white pepper

Bok Choy 3 tablespoons

1 12 ounces, 45 ml

2 slices

Vegetable oil Ginger root

1 cup

4 ounces,112 g

Onions, thinly sliced

2 cups

4 ounces, 112 g

Mushrooms, washed,

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Bok choy, washed,

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Chicken stock

1 2

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) sliced

inch (1.2 cm) sliced on the bias

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine the sauce ingredients.

3

Add onions, stirring and turning, for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms, stirring and turning, for 30 seconds.

4 5 6 7

And bok choy, stirring and turning until each piece is well coated with oil.

Set a wok over high heat until the bottom turns a dull red. Add 3 tablespoons (1 12 ounces, 45 ml) oil. When oil is hot and smoky, add ginger briefly to flavor oil, and then discard when brown.

Whirl in stock along edge of wok and cover immediately. Cook for two minutes. Add the sauce; stir until thickened, season with salt and white pepper to taste, cover. Keep wok covered for one minute. Serve immediately.

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Vinegar-Slipped Fish Chunks SERVES 4

Made from the starch of the cassava root, tapioca powder thickens at a lower temperature than cornstarch, remains stable when frozen, and imparts a glossy sheen. With the exception of dumpling dough, in most cases cornstarch can be used as a substitute.

Chef Tip

Ginger juice is often used as a seasoning, along with wine. The best process to maximize the ginger is to grate as much ginger as needed into a small bowl, and then add the wine and mix well. Pour the mixture through a small strainer and squeeze the grated ginger against the wall of the strainer to extract all the juice. A normal-size slice of gingerroot is the size and thickness of an American quarter. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Boneless, skinless fish fillet (cod, red snapper, or sole)

2

Green onions, white and green parts, separated

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

1

Oil Garlic clove, crushed

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

2 teaspoons

Dry sherry Sesame oil

Marinade 2

Egg whites

2 tablespoons 1 tablespoon 1 2

teaspoon

2 slices

Tapioca powder or cornstarch 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Dry sherry Salt Ginger juice (see Chef Tip)

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AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

6 ounces, 180 ml

Chicken stock

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Red rice vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Sugar, granulated

Vinegar Sauce 3 4

cup

2 teaspoons

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 4

Salt

teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1

Cut fillets lengthwise into strips 1 inch (2.4 cm) wide. Cut each strip into chunks about 1 × 1 12 inches (2.4 cm × 3.6 cm).

2

Mix ingredients for marinade and add to the fish. Mix well, using your fingers or chopsticks.

3

Cut white parts of green onion into 4-inch (9.6 cm) lengths, then flatten with a cleaver. Add them to the marinating fish.

4 5 6

Chop the green onion greens very fine and set aside. Mix ingredients for sauce and set aside. When ready to cook, remove green onion whites and chop fine. Combine with green parts.

To Cook

1

Set wok over medium heat. When hot, add the oil. Wait 2 to 3 minutes, heat to 325◦ F (163◦ C) or until a piece of green onion dropped in oil bubbles, sizzles, and moves around.

2

Add the fish chunks to the oil. Lightly stir in a spading manner to separate (30 seconds). Cook fish 2 minutes, then turn heat up and continue to cook 1 minute longer, at 375◦ F (190◦ C). Drain fish and oil into a colander or strainer-lined container. Leave about 1 tablespoon ( 21 ounce, 15 ml) oil in wok.

3

Return wok to high heat. When very hot add the garlic, stirring 10 seconds. Sizzle in the wine along the sides of the wok, and then add the sauce mixture. Turn heat to low; stir sauce until thickened.

4

Glaze sauce with sesame oil, and then slip in the fish chunks. Add the chopped green onions and mix together. Correct seasoning and serve.

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Mo Shu, Moshu, Moo Shu, or Mu Shu Pork Wood Shavings Pork Chef Tip

SERVES 4

Nappa cabbage may have a high moisture content, green cabbage has a lower moisture

content. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Mandarin pancakes (see p. 218) 6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 90 ml

2

Vegetable oil Eggs

PROCEDURE

1

Prepare mandarin pancakes. Cover finished pancakes with a clean cloth to prevent condensation from dropping onto the surface. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

2 3

Set a wok over high heat. Add one tablespoon ( 12 ounce, 15 ml) oil, swirl around wok. Beat eggs lightly. When oil is hot, pour in eggs, and tilt the wok so that the whole surface is covered with a thin coat of eggs. Flip the egg sheet over and cook for a few seconds. Transfer to plate; when cool, shred into narrow strips 2 inches (4.8 cm) long.

AMOUNT 1 2

MEASURE

pound

INGREDIENT

Lean pork

Marinade To taste

Freshly ground pepper

1 4

Fresh ginger, minced

teaspoon

2 teaspoons

Cornstarch

1 teaspoon 1 tablespoon

Dry sherry 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Soy sauce

PROCEDURE

1

Shred pork by slicing it 18 inch (.3 cm) thick across the grain, then cut the slices into strips about 18 inch × 18 inch × 2 inches (.3 cm × .3 cm × 4.8 cm).

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2

Combine marinade ingredients; mix with shredded pork. Toss to coat thoroughly; let stand at least 30 minutes. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

6 1 4

Chinese dried mushrooms cup

Dried black cloud ears

25 1 cup

Dried tiger lily buds 4 ounces, 112 g

Cabbage,

1 8

×

1 8

× 2 inches (.3 × .3 × 5 cm)

PROCEDURE

1

Soak mushrooms and black cloud ears in 2 cups (16 ounces, 480 ml) hot water for 20 minutes. Discard the water. Remove stems; shred mushrooms into thin strips.

2

Soak tiger lily buds in 1 cup (8 ounces, 240 ml) hot water for 10 minutes. Discard the water. Snap off hard ends of the buds. Rinse and cut each bud in half. Combine with mushrooms and black cloud ears. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Sauce 1 teaspoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 tablespoon

1 2

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon

Light soy sauce Chicken stock or water Sesame oil

PROCEDURE

1

Mix all ingredients to combine. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2

Garlic cloves, crushed

1 teaspoon

Garlic cloves, minced

1 2

Salt

teaspoon

2

Green onions, minced

PROCEDURE

1

Return wok to high heat. When very hot, add 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) of oil. Flavor the oil with crushed garlic and discard the garlic when browned. Add the tiger lilies, wood ears black mushrooms, and cabbage, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes. Toss and season. Remove from wok.

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2

Rinse wok and reset over high heat. When very hot, add two (1 ounce, 30 ml) tablespoons oil. Flavor with minced garlic for 10 seconds, then add the meat and green onions, stirring continuously until the shreds separate.

3

Push ingredients to the side of wok and restir sauce mixture. Add sauce mixture to the center of the wok, stirring sauce until it thickens. Return the tiger lilies, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and eggs to wok; mix well and remove.

4

Serve with steamed mandarin pancakes as wrappers. Serve with Hoisin dipping sauce to be spread on the pancakes before wrapping filling.

Hoisin Dipping Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

2 ounce, 60 ml

Hoisin sauce

1 ounce, 30 ml

Water

cup

2 tablespoons

PROCEDURE

1

Combine to a smooth sauce.

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RECIPES

Fortune Cookies

SERVES 4

Before making the cookies, prepare the fortunes on small slips of paper. AMOUNT

MEASURE

3

INGREDIENT

Eggs

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Sugar

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Butter, melted

1 4

teaspoon

Vanilla extract

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

All-purpose flour

2 tablespoon

1 ounce, 30 ml

Water

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Preheat oven to 350◦ F (176◦ C).

5 6

Bake 4 to 5 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.

7

Grasp the rounded edges of the semicircle between thumb and forefinger with both hands. Push the fortune cookie down over a dowel, making certain the solid sides of cookie puff out.

8 9

Place each cookie in small muffin tin, open end up, until cookies are set.

Combine ingredients in order listed, mixing well after each addition. Chill for 20 minutes. On a nonstick baking pad or parchment paper, fill a 3-inch (7.2 cm) circle mold with cookie butter and spread to 18 -inch (.3 cm) thickness. Bake two cookies at a time Working quickly, place a fortune paper slip in the center of each cookie. Fold cookie in half, enclosing the fortune slip and forming a semicircle.

Return to oven to finish baking until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.

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Lamb on Rice Sticks

SERVES 4

Lamb is a tradition in Peking. When marinating meats be sure to add oil or the meat will stick together when cooking.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces

Lamb, trimmed of all visible fat and all gristle removed, cut 1 1 1 8 × 8 × 1 2 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds

1 teaspoon 1 2

cup

2 cups plus 1 tablespoon

Ginger juice 3 ounces, 84 g

Bamboo shoots

16.5 ounces, 495 ml

Vegetable oil

1 ounce 2 cups

Rice sticks 8 ounces, 224 g

4 medium

Leeks, white part only, washed well, × 3.6 cm) shreds

1 8

×

1 8

× 1 12 inch (.3 × .3

Black mushrooms, soaked in warm water until soft, stems trimmed; squeeze to extract moisture, 18 × 18 × 1 21 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Carrots, peeled,

1 8

×

1 8

× 1 12 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds

3, or to taste

Hot chiles, seeds and pulp removed, shredded finely

1 2

Salt

teaspoon

1 teaspoon 1 tablespoon

Granulated sugar 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Dry sherry

1 teaspoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon ( 12 ounce, 15 ml) chicken stock

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

Marinade 1

Egg

1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

Ginger juice

1 4

teaspoon

Salt

1 8

teaspoon

1 tablespoon

White pepper 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Vegetable oil

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PROCEDURE

1

Combine all marinade ingredients and add to lamb. Mix until well blended; refrigerate 30 minutes.

2

Blanch bamboo shoots in boiling water 1 minute; rinse with cold water. Shred finely, × 18 × 1 12 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds; drain and pat dry with paper towels.

3

Set wok over high heat. When very hot, add 2 cups (16 ounces, 480 ml) oil and heat to 400◦ F (204◦ C). Test temperature by dropping a few inches of rice stick into the oil. If it puffs up immediately, the oil is hot enough.

4

Add the rice sticks, turning over quickly when puffed up. Deep-fry for 5 more seconds and remove; drain on paper towels. The rice sticks should be creamy white in color.

5

Remove wok from heat, strain sediments from oil, and return to 400◦ F (204◦ C). Add the lamb shreds to the wok, stirring to separate. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, then pour oil and lamb into a strainer-lined container to drain.

6

Return wok and two tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil to high heat. When hot, add the leeks and garlic to the oil, stir-fry until limp. Add mushrooms, carrots, bamboo shoots, and chiles, in that order, stirring after each is added. Season with salt.

7

Return lamb to wok. Stir and sizzle in the sherry along the edge. Push all the ingredients to the side, restir thicking mixture, and add to center of wok. Stir until thickened, then add sesame oil. Mix all ingredients.

8

Line a serving platter with rice sticks, pressing down to break sticks into smaller pieces. Place the lamb shreds on top. Serve hot.

1 8

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Wonton Soup AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

40

INGREDIENT

Wonton Wrappers, packaged

Filling 1 2

8 ounces, 224 g

Ground pork, chicken or shrimp

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy Sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

Rice wine or dry sherry

1 2

pound

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon

Salt

1

Egg

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onions, minced

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Chinese cabbage or bamboo shoots, minced

Dash

White pepper

Soup 6 cups

48 ounces, 1.4 L

Chicken or beef stock

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy sauce

To taste

Salt

2 tablespoons

Green onions, minced

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Mix filling ingredients, chill until needed.

5

Bring 3 quarts (96 ounces, 2.8 L) of water to a boil. Add wontons, stir. Cover and return to boil.

6

Add 1 cup (8 ounces, 240 ml) of cold water, cover and return to boil. When cooked the wontons will float.

7 8 9

Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Place 1 teaspoon filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold over at the center, wet the edges with water and press to seal. Fold in half lengthwise at the open side, bring the two ends over the other and press together with a little water.

Combine stock, soy sauce and salt, bring to a boil. Add wontons and return to a boil. Add minced green onions, serve hot.

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RECIPES

Jellyfish and White Radish Salad SERVES 4

Chef Tip

It is best to soak the jellyfish overnight. Keep it as dry as possible so the dressing will not be diluted. AMOUNT

1 21 cup

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 ounces, 112 g

Precut jellyfish shreds, soaked overnight

8 ounces, 224 g

Chinese white radish (daikon), peeled, × 3.6 cm) shreds

1 8

×

1 8

× 1 21 inch (.3 × .3

Salt 1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56

Carrot, peeled,

1 8

× 18 × 1 12 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds

1

Green onion, trimmed, white part and 2-in. (4.8 cm) green part, minced

2

Chinese parsley (cilantro) sprigs, cut into 2-in. (4.8 cm) pieces

Dressing 2 teaspoons

Rice vinegar

2 teaspoons

Sesame oil

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Peanut oil

2 teaspoons

Granulated sugar

To taste

White pepper and cayenne

PROCEDURE

1

Rinse jellyfish with cold water, squeezing and rubbing to remove salt. Cover in cold water and soak, preferably overnight, then rinse thoroughly. Drain in colander for 1 hour, or until most moisture is gone. Pat dry and wrap with a towel. Chill and refrigerate.

2

Rub radish with 1 tablespoon salt and let stand at room temperature for 2–3 hours or until limp. Rinse radish with cold water to remove salt, then squeeze shreds by hand to remove excess moisture. Repeat until all shreds are squeezed dry.

3 4

Process carrot in the same manner as radish. One hour before serving, mix dressing, and combine with all ingredients. Toss well. Serve chilled.

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Pearl Balls Porcupine Meatballs Chef Tip

SERVES 4 AS AN APPETIZER

Make sure the egg is well incorporated, it is a binding agent. If rice is not sticking to the

pearl balls, wet with a little cold water.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

3 12 ounces, 98 g

Glutinous rice

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Lean ground pork

1 4

teaspoon

1 tablespoon

Salt 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Light soy sauce

1

Egg

2 teaspoons

Dry sherry

1 4

Granulated sugar

teaspoon

1 teaspoon

Ginger, grated

2 teaspoons

Sesame oil

2 teaspoons

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

To taste

White pepper

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

2 tablespoons 1 4

cup

1 tablespoon

Bamboo shoots Green onion, white parts only, minced

2 ounces, 60 ml

Rice vinegar Ginger, minced

PROCEDURE

1

Rinse the rice and soak in cold water for a least 1 hour. Drain thoroughly and spread in one layer on pan lined with paper towels. Make sure the rice is dry before using.

2

Combine pork, salt, and soy sauce. Mix with your fingers and scoop up pork mixture by the hand, beating it back into the bowl several times until firm. Add the egg, sherry, sugar, ginger, sesame oil, tapioca powder and pepper to the meat, scooping and beating several more times.

3

Blanch the bamboo shoots in boiling water for two minutes. Run cold water over to stop the cooking process; shred into bite sized bits. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

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4

Add the green onion to the pork together with bamboo shoots. Mix well; chill for at least 2 hours or until ready to use.

5

Scoop up a handful of pork mixture and squeeze out through the fist until it reaches the size of a walnut (1 tablespoon is 1 ounce). Scrape off with a wet spoon.

6

Drop pork balls onto the rice, rolling around until the surface is evenly covered with the rice. Place on a greased container that can be used in a steamer; or on a lettuce leaf (banana leaf, bamboo leaf, napa cabbage) allow 12 inch (1.2 cm) separation between each pearly ball.

7

Place the meatballs in a steamer; steam over high heat 25 to 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and turns shiny and translucent.

8

Combine vinegar and ginger to make sauce. Serve meatballs hot or warm with sauce.

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Emerald Shrimp SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

12 ounces 4 cups

INGREDIENT

Shrimp (16–20 count), shelled, deveined, and cut down the middle from the back 8 ounces, 224 g

2 tablespoons

Flat leaf spinach, washed well, stems removed, coarsely chopped Green onion, white part only, roll-cut in (1.2 cm) cuts

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Smithfield ham,

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Water

1 12

12 ounces, 360 ml

Vegetable oil

cup

1

Garlic clove

2 teaspoons

Mirin

1 2

1 2

inch

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Marinade 1 1 2

Egg white teaspoon

Salt

2 teaspoons

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 4

teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 4

teaspoon

Sugar

Dash

White pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Arrange the shrimp in one layer on double paper towels. Roll up like a jelly roll and chill for at least two hours. The shrimp need to be very dry.

2

In a blender, combine 1 cup (8 ounces, 240 ml) water with the spinach. Process until reduced to a puree. Pour the puree into a very fine-mesh strainer; press the pureed spinach to extract liquid. Reserve strained liquid and spinach.

3

Transfer spinach puree to a bowl and thin with remaining water. Pour it through the strainer again to combine liquid with the previously extracted spinach juice.

4

Heat the spinach juice over high heat until small bubbles start to appear gradually along the sides of the pan and the liquid begins to foam. Remove immediately from heat.

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RECIPES

5

Set a coffee filter into a cone and skim the spinach foam from the pan into the filter. Let it drain thoroughly and squeeze to extract all the liquid; there should be about 1 tablespoon of very fine spinach paste. Cover and chill until ready to use. Discard the juice in the pan.

6

Pat shrimp with paper towel; they must be very dry for the green spinach coloring to adhere. Combine shrimp and 1 teaspoon spinach paste, mixing it well by hand. Continue to add 12 teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until shrimp is tinted evenly with green coloring. You need at least 2 teaspoons of spinach paste; avoid over-coloring.

7

Mix marinade with wire whisk until smooth. Add to the green shrimp, mixing well by hand until evenly coated. Chill for 1 to 2 hours.

8

Set a wok over high heat. When very hot, add about 41 cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) oil, swish around the wok to grease the surface, and remove that oil from the wok. Add remaining oil, heat to 325◦ F (163◦ C) or until a piece of green onion dropped in oil bubbles, sizzles, and moves around.

9

Stir shrimp mixture, and then add the whole batch to the oil at once. Stir to separate shrimp quickly, about 20 seconds. Pour shrimp and oil into a strainer-lined container to drain oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon ( 21 ounce, 15 ml) of oil in wok.

10

Return wok to high heat. Add garlic. Remove wok quickly from heat, let garlic cook in hot oil for 10 seconds, then discard. (This ensures the oil in wok is clear.)

11

Reset wok on high heat. Return the shrimp to wok and stir-fry 15 to 20 seconds. Sizzle in the mirin, then add green onions and ham. Stir 20 seconds and serve immediately.

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CHINA

Red-Cooked Duck Chef Tip

SERVES 4

Cold Red-Cooked Duck is outstanding, should be served garnished with cilantro.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 12 pound

1.5 kg

Young duck, cut in quarters

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

1

Garlic clove, flattened

2

Green onions,

1

Star anise

2 teaspoons 1 tablespoon

1 4

inch (.6 cm) lengths

Tapioca powder or cornstarch 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Water

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

To taste

Salt

Marinade 2 teaspoons

Ginger juice

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Dry sherry

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Dark soy sauce

1 2

teaspoon

Salt

Braising Mixture 2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Chicken stock

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Oyster sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Rock sugar or granulated sugar

1

Thai bird chile (small red)

PROCEDURE

1

Remove excess loose fat from duck, then flatten the duck. Rinse and pat dry. Prick the skin.

2

Combine marinade ingredients, mix well, and rub evenly on the skin and cavity. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour, turning occasionally.

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3

Drain duck, reserving excess marinade. Set wok over high heat; when hot, add 2 (1 ounce, 30 ml) tablespoons oil. Swish oil around and then place duck in wok. Turn heat to medium and brown the duck slowly and evenly on all sides.

4

Mix together the braising mixture and bring to boil over high heat, then add the duck. Return to a boil; add reserved marinade, garlic, green onion, and star anise. Cover and reduce to a simmer; cook 1 to 1 12 hours or until a chopstick pierces through the thigh easily. Remove duck and chile; degrease the sauce.

5

Return braising liquid to a boil, add duck to reheat, remove, drain, cut into serving pieces, and place on serving platter.

6

Mix tapioca powder with the water and add to the liquid in the wok, stirring constantly until thickened. Correct seasoning, then glaze sauce with sesame oil. Pour over duck. Serve hot or cold.

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CHINA

Yangchow (Yangzhou) Fried Rice SERVES 4

This colorful fried rice may have started in Yangzhou, a city famous for Eastern cuisine, but many versions are found all over China. The original version was said to have at least eight ingredients and each grain of rice coated with egg!

Chef Tip

Always marinate dark meat with whole egg.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat, cut (1.2 cm) dice

9 tablespoons

3 21 ounces, 105 ml

Vegetable oil

3 4

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Shrimp, raw, dice (1.2 cm).

3 4

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Cantonese roast pork (char siu), dice (1.2 cm).

3 4

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Chinese Ham

1 2

1 2

inch

inch 1 2

inch

3

Black mushrooms, soaked in hot water until soft. Trim stems and squeeze to extract moisture, dice 12 inch (1.2 cm).

2

Eggs and 1 egg yolk, beaten with a pinch of salt 1 2

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Carrots,

1 4

2 ounces, 56 g

Green peas, cooked

12 ounces, 336 g

Cold cooked rice, grains separated

cup

3 cups 4

inch (1.2 cm) dice, blanched

Green onions,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) lengths

Marinade for Chicken 2 tablespoons 1 2

1 ounce, 30 ml

teaspoon

Salt

1 1 tablespoon

Water

Egg whole 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Dry, sherry

To taste

White pepper

1 tablespoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 tablespoon

Oil

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

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RECIPES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 ounce, 30 ml

Water

Marinade for Shrimp 2 tablespoons 1 2

teaspoon

Salt

1

Egg white

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sherry, dry

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

To taste

White pepper

1 tablespoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 tablespoon

Oil

PROCEDURE

1

In separate containers, combine the ingredients for the chicken marinade and shrimp marinade; mix well. Add the diced chicken thigh meat to the chicken marinade; toss to coat, chill for 30 minutes. Add the shrimp to the shrimp marinade; toss to coat, chill 30 minutes.

2

Set wok over high heat. When very hot, add two tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil. Add chicken, stirring constantly until separated and just cooked (no longer pink). Remove and reserve.

3

Heat one tablespoon oil in wok, over high heat. When oil is hot, add the pork and mushrooms. Stir 1 minute, add ham, stir 30 seconds. Add green peas and carrots, stir-fry 15 seconds. Remove and reserve with chicken and shrimp.

4

Rinse wok and wipe dry. Set over high heat; when wok is hot, add remaining oil. Scramble the eggs until set, and turn heat to medium. Break the scrambled eggs in the wok into small pieces; about the same size as the chicken. Add the rice and sprinkle with salt. Stir-fry the rice, about 5 to 7 minutes.

5 6

Return all cooked items to the wok and stir-fry to mix with rice. Add green onions, and correct seasoning with salt.

1 4

teaspoon sesame oil, white pepper and

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CHINA

Shanghai Sweet-and-Sour Spareribs SERVES 4

AMOUNT 1 2

MEASURE

teaspoon

1 tablespoon

INGREDIENT

Salt 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

1 teaspoon

Dry sherry or rice wine Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 pound

448 g

Pork spareribs cut 12 inch wide by 1 inch in length (1.2 cm × 2.4 cm), silver skin removed (or substitute pork chops)

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Vegetable oil

2.3 ounces, 64 g

Granulated sugar

3 tablespoons

1 12

Rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

Tomato catsup

cup

Sauce 1 3

cup

1 teaspoon

ounces, 45 ml

ounce, 15 ml

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

PROCEDURE

1

Combine salt, sherry, and tapioca powder, and mix well. Add sparerib pieces, toss to coat, and marinate for minimum of 30 minutes.

2

Heat oil in a wok over medium heat to about 350◦ F (176◦ C) or until a piece of green onion dropped in oil bubbles, sizzles, and moves around.

3

Add the spareribs and deep-fry until crisp, stirring to keep them from sticking together, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

4

Reset empty wok on medium high heat. Stir sauce ingredients to blend, pour into wok, and cook, stirring, until thickened. Return pork to wok and stir well until each piece is coated with sauce. Serve hot.

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RECIPES

Bean Curd in Oyster Sauce SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Oil

2

Green onion, white and greens separated, minced

1 41 cups

8 ounces, 224

Semi-firm bean curd (tofu), soaked in hot water 15 minutes, drained, dried, cut into 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Oyster sauce

1 2

tablespoon

1 4

ounce, 8 ml

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Dry sherry

Sauce

To taste 2 tablespoons

Salt 1 ounce, 30 ml

Chicken stock

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine sauce ingredients.

3 4 5

Add the tofu and stir-fry 1 minute, turning gently to coat with oil and onions.

Heat wok over high heat; when hot add oil and swirl. When the oil is just below the smoke point, add the white parts of the green onions; stir-fry 10 seconds. Add sauce ingredients; Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook 2 minutes. Add green onions tops; toss and serve.

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CHINA

Tea and Spice Smoked Quail with Sweet-and-Sour Cucumbers SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

2

INGREDIENT

Quail, semi-boneless Sweet-and-sour cucumbers (recipe follows)

Seasoning Salt 1 tablespoon

10 g

Sea salt

1 2

2g

Toasted Sechuan pepper, ground

5g

Five-spice powder

8 ounces, 240 ml

Vegetable oil

3 12 ounces, 98 g

Long-grain rice

teaspoon

1 12

teaspoons

1 cup Smoking Mixture 1 2

cup

3 pieces

Dry mandarin peel

1 piece

Cassia bark

1 ounce

28 g

Jasmine tea leaves

1 12

42 g

Brown sugar

ounces

3

Star anise

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine seasoning salt ingredients and rub on quail; marinate 30 minutes.

3

Place a rack in the wok and cover until it begins to smoke. Reduce heat and place quail on rack. Cover and smoke quail, 2–3 minutes. Watch to ensure quail is cooked only to rare. Remove quail and hold until ready to serve.

4

Set wok over high heat. Heat oil to 350◦ F (176◦ C◦ ). Deep-fry quail until golden brown and crispy, 3–4 minutes. Serve with sweet-and-sour cucumbers.

Combine smoking mixture ingredients. Line bottom of a wok with foil. Place smoking mixture on foil and place over high heat.

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RECIPES

Tea and Spice Smoked Quail with Sweet and Sour Cucumbers

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CHINA

Sweet-and-Sour Cucumbers SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

English cucumber, julienned

Dressing 2

Thai bird chile (small red), finely slice

2

Garlic clove, minced

3 tablespoons

1 12

4 teaspoons

40 ml

Water

2 teaspoons

20 g

Granulated sugar

1 2

teaspoon

ounces, 45 ml

Rice wine vinegar

Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Combine all dressing ingredients; mix well to dissolve sugar. Toss cucumbers with dressing; let sit 30 minutes before serving.

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RECIPES

Ma-Puo (Mapo) Doufu SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fermented chile bean paste

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Pork, lean ground

1 41

cups

4 tablespoons

10 ounces, 300 ml

Chicken stock

2 ounces, 60 ml

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

Ginger, grated

2

Garlic cloves, minced

2

Green onions, white part, sliced thinly

1 pound

448 g

1 teaspoon 2 tablespoons

Tofu, semi-firm, blanch in hot water for 3 minutes, then cut 12 inch (1.2 cm) cubes Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and cracked finely, or 1 teaspoon ground in spice mill

1 ounce, 30 ml

Water

1 tablespoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 teaspon

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

Cilantro, chopped

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine half the soy sauce, half the wine, bean paste, and pork. Mix well.

4

Add bean curd. Stir mixture gently; the bean curd breaks easily. Cook just to heat through, about 1 minute. Sprinkle Sichuan peppercorns over the mixture.

5

Blend water and tapioca powder and add, stirring gently to thicken. When dish is thickened, add sesame oil and transfer to serving dish and garnish with cilantro.

Combine remaining soy sauce and wine with chicken stock. Set wok over high heat; when very hot, add oil. Add pork mixture; cook, stirring, to separate the grains of meat, about 30 seconds. Add ginger, garlic, and green onion; stirfry 1 minute. Add chicken stock; cook 1 minute.

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CHINA

Sichuan Stuffed Eggplant SERVES 4

Chef tip

The cornstarch between the eggplant slices helps to maintain the positioning of the

ground pork. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

4 ounces, 112 g

Lean ground pork

cup

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Soy sauce

As needed for coating

Cornstarch

2

Eggs

1 8

teaspoon

White pepper

3

Japanese eggplant, 6 ounces (168 g) each

2 1 8

Eggs teaspoon

4 cups plus 1 tablespoon

Salt 32 12 ounces, 975 ml

1 teaspoon

Vegetable oil Sesame oil

Seasoning 1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Soy sauce

1 teaspoon

Dry sherry

1 4

Granulated sugar

teaspoon

2 tablespoons

Ginger, grated

1 tablespoon

Garlic, minced

2 teaspoons

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

2 tablespoons

Green onion, white part, minced

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

Sauce for glazing 1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Chicken stock

1 tablespoon

1 2

Sichuan hot bean paste

2 teaspoons

10 ml

Dark soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Rice vinegar

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Brown sugar

ounce, 15 ml

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RECIPES

PROCEDURE

1

Combine pork with the soy sauce from the seasoning. Mix with your fingers, scooping up pork mixture with your hand and beating it back into the bowl several times until firm. Add the remaining seasoning and mix well.

2

Cut eggplant into 34 - to 1-inch (1.8 cm to 2.4 cm) pieces using a vertical slope-cut. Make a slit down the center of each slice and cut two thirds of the way down, forming doublelayer slices with skin side not cut all the way through. Gently open up the double layer and brush the inside surface lightly with cornstarch. Slice and brush the remaining pieces the same way, noting that they are not uniform in size but in thickness only.

3

Stuff about one tablespoon of pork mixture into each piece of eggplant. Then dip the back of a spoon in a little water and smooth the pork mixture.

4 5

Mix the glazing sauce ingredients; set aside. About 10 minutes before cooking, beat eggs with 18 teaspoon salt until smooth. Dip each piece of stuffed eggplant into the egg mixture, then coat with cornstarch. Shake off excess cornstarch.

6

Set a wok over high heat. When hot, add 4 cups oil. Heat oil to 375◦ F (190◦ C), or until a piece of green onion or ginger sizzles noisily and quickly turns brown.

7

Add the eggplant pieces in succession to the oil; deep-fry until the coating is set, then remove. Reheat oil to very hot 400◦ F (204◦ C) and return all eggplant pieces to the oil. Deep-fry until golden, then remove and drain on paper towels.

8

Set in a separate wok or pan over high heat. When hot, add remaining tablespoon oil. Stir the glazing sauce and add it to the wok. Bring to a boil, glaze sauce with sesame oil.

9

Plate hot eggplant and glaze with sauce. Eggplant should be glazed within a minute or two after frying.

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CHINA

Kung Pao Chicken SERVES 4 AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

Soy sauce

Marinade 1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

1 teaspoon

Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

2 teaspoons

Cold water

1

Egg

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

2 teaspoons

Vegetable oil Tapioca powder or cornstarch

Sauce 1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

2 teaspoons

Dark soy sauce Light soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Rice vinegar

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Chicken stock

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Granulated sugar

1 2

teaspoon

Salt

1 2

teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 teaspoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

Other ingredients 2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Chicken thigh meat, cut

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Vegetable oil

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) cubes

12

Dried red chile peppers, whole

2

Garlic cloves, minced

1 8 1 2

teaspoon cup

Sichuan peppercorns, ground 2 12

ounces, 70 g

Unsalted peanuts

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine marinade ingredients; mix well. Add chicken pieces and marinate 30 minutes. Combine all sauce ingredients, whisking in tapioca powder last. Set a wok over high heat. Heat the 3 cups oil to 350◦ F (176◦ C) or until a piece of green onion dropped in oil bubbles, sizzles, and moves around. Carefully slide the chicken into the wok; fry for 3–4 minute, until the cubes separate and turn white. Remove and drain on paper towels. Remove all but one tablespoons ( 21 ounce, 315 ml) of oil from the wok.

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RECIPES

4

Heat oil, add chiles, and stir-fry until the skin starts turn dark red and chilies plump. Add garlic; stir-fry until you smell the garlic aroma, 10 seconds, add Sichuan peppercorn.

5

Return chicken to wok; stir-fry 30 seconds. Stir the sauce, and pour into the center. Toss with chicken, cook until sauce thickens, add the peanuts, and mix well. Serve hot.

Stir-Fried Long Beans SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Long beans, cut 2 inch (5 cm) pieces

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

Garlic, minced

1 tablespoon

Ginger, grated

1 2

teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 2

teaspoon

To taste

Rice vinegar Salt and white pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Wash beans, trim the ends, and cut diagonally into 2 inch (2 cm) pieces.

4

Add long beans and stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes. Glaze with sesame oil, add vinegar, and correct seasoning.

Blanch the beans in boiling salted water, remove, shock in ice water, drain, and set aside. Set wok over high heat; when very hot, add oil. Swirl around wok, add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry 30 seconds.

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CHINA

Dan Dan Mian

Spicy Noodles

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

1 2

Dried shrimp

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Hot water

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Sichuan preserved vegetables

6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 90 ml

Vegetable oil

4 cups

32 ounces, 960 ml

Chicken stock

ounce, 14 g

1 pound

Asian noodles, or 12 ounces dried Asian noodles (width between linguine and fettuccine), or 12 ounces linguine

4

Green onions, whole

1 tablespoon

Sesame seeds

Dan Dan Sauce 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Light soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

Rice vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame paste

1 tablespoon

1 2

Chile oil

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

1 2

Granulated sugar

ounce, 15 ml

ounce, 15 ml

ounce, 14 g

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Soak shrimp in hot water 20 minutes. Chop finely and reserve soaking liquid. Rinse chile and spices off the preserved vegetables; chop finely. Toast the sesame seeds until golden; set aside. Mix ingredients for the dan dan sauce until smooth. Set wok or heavy saucepan over medium high heat. When very hot, add one tablespoon ( 12 ounce, 15 ml) oil. Add shrimp; stir for 2 minutes or until oil is well flavored. Add the preserved vegetables; stir-fry 1 minute. Remove from heat.

6

Combine the dan dan sauce ingredients, the shrimp mixture, and 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil. Set aside.

7

Heat chicken stock and shrimp soaking liquid over very low heat.

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RECIPES

8

Cook noodles following directions. Strain, shake the colander to drain excess water, and toss with remaining oil.

9

Serve the dan dan sauce in 4 separate bowls and place 41 of the hot noodles on sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve with chicken/shrimp stock in separate bowls.

Dan Dan Mian – Spicy Noodle and Stir-Fried Long Beans

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CHINA

Fish-Flavored Pork Shreds SERVES 4

There is no fish in this dish from fish-starved Sichuan. The flavor is adapted from the sauce used in braising fish.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 12 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Pork, cut from loin, trimmed of excess fat, 1 8 × 2 inch (.3 × .3 × 4.8 cm) shreds

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons

17 ounces, 510 ml

Vegetable oil

8 medium

1 4 1 4

cup cup

×

Wood ears, soaked in warm water 30 minutes until soft, tough ends trimmed; cut into strips, about 18 inch (.3 cm) wide 2 ounces, 56 g 2 ounces, 56 g

Water chestnuts, Bamboo shoots, 1 8

1 8

1 8

inch (.3 cm) strips

inch (.3 cm) strip

1 tablespoon

Carrots,

To taste

Salt

2 tablespoons

Green onions, white part, minced

1 tablespoon

Ginger, grated

1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon

1 8

inch (.3 cm) strips

Garlic clove, minced 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

2 teaspoons

Dry sherry Sesame oil

Seasoning 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

1 tablespoon

Dark soy sauce Tapioca powder or cornstarch

Sauce mixture 1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Rice vinegar

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Dark soy sauce

2 teaspoons

10 ml

1 teaspoon

Sichuan hot bean paste

Granulated sugar Tapioca powder or cornstarch

PROCEDURE

1

Mix ingredients for sauce mixture; set aside. Mix seasoning ingredients and combine with pork.

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RECIPES

2

Set wok over high heat; when very hot, add 2 cups (16 ounces, 360 ml) oil. Heat oil to 375◦ F (190◦ C), or until a piece of green onion or ginger sizzles noisily and quickly turns brown. Add the pork shreds, stirring to separate; stir-fry 1 minute. Pour both meat and oil into strainer-lined bowl to drain, leaving about 1 tablespoon ( 12 ounce, 15 ml) oil in wok.

3

Place wok over medium high heat and add the wood ears, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and carrots stirring for 1 minute. Season with salt, stir, and remove.

4

Add remaining two tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil to the wok. When the oil is hot, add green onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir for 10 seconds, then return pork to wok. Sizzle in the sherry along the edge of the wok, stirring constantly. Add wood ears, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and carrots.

5

Stir sauce mixture and add to the center of the wok, stirring until thickened. Glaze sauce with sesame oil, mix well, and serve.

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CHINA

Sichuan Spicy Fired Beef Shreds SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Flank steak,

1 2

4 12 ounces, 135 ml

Vegetable oil

cup/1 tablespoon

1 8

×

1 8

× 1 21 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds

2

Garlic cloves, flattened

3

Dried hot chiles, seeds removed 1 8

× 18 × 1 12 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Celery,

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Carrot, peeled,

cup

×

1 8

3

Fresh hot chiles,

To taste

Salt

1 tablespoon

Sesame oil

1 8

1 8

×

× 1 12 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds 1 8

× 1 12 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds

Marinade 4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

1 tablespoon

1 2

2 teaspoons

10 g

Dark soy sauce Juice of 3 slices gingerroot

ounce, 15 ml

Dry sherry Granulated sugar

PROCEDURE

1

Mix marinade ingredients, add the meat, and toss. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Turn the meat occasionally.

2

Set wok over high heat; when very hot add 12 cup (4 ounces, 120 ml) oil. Flavor the oil with the garlic; remove the garlic when it turns brown.

3

Add meat; stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes, or until strips separate. Turn heat to medium low; continue to stir-fry until strips turn brown, 1 to 2 minutes; remove from wok.

4

Rinse wok and wipe dry. Set on medium high heat; when hot, add sesame oil. Flavor oil with dried chile until brown. Add celery, carrots, and fresh chiles, stirring 30 seconds to 1 minute; season with salt.

5

Return meat and mix with vegetables. Glaze the meat with sesame oil and serve with rice.

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RECIPES

Spinach Velvet Soup

SERVES 4

This soup does not reheat well. Do not prepare too far in advance or it will lose its beautiful bright green color. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

6 ounces, 180 g

Spinach, leaves loosely packed

2 teaspoons

Granulated sugar

2

Egg whites 1 2

1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

3 tablespoons

Water Tapioca powder or cornstarch

3 21 cups

28 ounces, 840 ml

Chicken stock

1 tablespoon

Ginger juice

2 tablespoons

Smithfield ham,

1 teaspoon 1 21

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Sesame oil 3 4

tablespoons

ounce, 20 ml

To taste

Vegetable oil Salt and white pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2

Remove stems from spinach, rinse thoroughly, and drain.

3

Squeeze spinach leaves to extract as much water as possible. Julienne finely; do not use a blender.

4 5 6

Beat egg whites with water until smooth but not foamy.

7 8

Season soup and add the tapioca powder mixture. Stir until the soup thickens (creamy).

9

Pour soup into bowls and garnish with remaining ham. Adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.

Heat 2 quarts (1.9 l) water to a boil; add sugar and spinach, stirring until water boils again. Immediately drain in a colander, running cold water over the spinach to stop the cooking process.

Mix tapioca powder and

1 4

cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) stock.

Heat remaining stock over high heat, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium. Add half the ham and ginger juice and cook 4 minutes. Turn heat to high and add the spinach, stirring until it returns to a boil. Remove from heat and whirl in the egg whites. Do not stir for 30 seconds, then stir to mix. Add sesame oil and vegetable oil.

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CHINA

Char Siu

Cantonese Roast Pork

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 12 pounds

672 g

1 1 4

INGREDIENT

Lean pork butt (trimmed weight) Carrot, cut into 2 inch (4.8 cm) lengths, then cut in half vertically

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Honey

2 tablespoon

1 ounce, 30

Mirin wine

1 tablespoon

1 2

Sesame oil

ounce, 15 ml

Marinade 1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

2

Dry sherry Garlic cloves, crushed

3 tablespoons

1 21 ounces, 45 ml

Light soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

Sesame paste

1 tablespoon

1 ounce, 30 ml

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

ounce, 15 ml

Brown bean paste Hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 2

teaspoon

Five-spice powder

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Granulated sugar

PROCEDURE

1 2

Trim fat from meat and cut into 1 × 1 × 8 inch strips (2.4 × 2.4 × 20 cm).

3

Thread pieces of pork lengthwise on skewers, using pieces of carrots as the end pieces to keep the pork from sliding off.

4

Preheat oven to 375◦ F (190◦ C). Fill a shallow roasting pan with 1 inch (2.4 cm) boiling water to catch dripping and to prevent smoking. Place pan on the lowest rack in the oven and hook skewers to the highest rack, each 2 inches (4.8 cm) apart. Roast meat for 40 minutes.

5

Turn oven to 450◦ F (232◦ C). Mix the honey and mirin. Remove skewers from oven and brush with honey mixture, then sesame oil.

6

Empty the water from the roasting pan and return to the oven. Hang the skewers as before and roast 10 minutes. Remove.

Combine all marinade, ingredients; mix well. Add pork and toss to cover with marinade. Cover and set at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Turn every 30 minutes or so.

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RECIPES

Char Sui Bau

Steamed Pork Buns

Y I E L D : 1 2 BU N S ( D O U G H F O R U P TO 2 4 BU N S )

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Char sui,

1 2

Oyster sauce

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Seasoning 1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

1 21 tablespoons

1 12 ounce, 45 ml

Peanut oil

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

Bun Dough 1 tablespoon

1 2

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

cup

ounce, 14 g

Granulated sugar Warm water (105◦ F, 40.5◦ C)

2 41 teaspoons

1 4

4 cups

16 ounces, 448 g

All-purpose flour

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Lard or shortening

1 2

4 ounces, 112 g

Extra-fine granulated sugar

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Milk, warm (105◦ F, 40.5◦ C)

1 tablespoon

1 2

Oil

cup

ounce, 7 g

ounce, 15 ml

Active dry yeast

Baking powder mixed with 1 12 tablespoons ( 43 ounce, 23 ml) water

1 tablespoon Filling Base 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Peanut oil

2 teaspoons

Shallots, minced

1 21

All-purpose flour

tablespoons

6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 90 ml

Chicken stock

1 tablespoon

1 2

Dark soy sauce

ounce, 15 ml

PROCEDURE

Filling

1

Heat the oil over medium heat and saute´ the shallots 2 minutes or until light brown. Add the flour, stir to combine, and cook 1 minute.

2 3

Add the chicken stock, stir well, and cook 2 minutes. Add soy sauce and cook one minute. Remove from heat and stir in cut pork and seasoning ingredients. Chill until very firm.

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CHINA

Dough

1

Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast over; let stand for 2 to 3 minutes, and then stir to mix well. Let set until it starts of foam, 10 minutes.

2

Sift flour and make a well in the center. Combine lard, extra-fine sugar, yeast mixture, and milk; mix well. Combine liquid mixture with the flour; gradually incorporate the flour with the liquid to make dough.

3 4

Knead the dough for 10 minutes, sprinkling with flour as necessary.

5

Punch dough down and flatten out to about 34 inch (1.8 cm) thick. Spread the baking powder mixture evenly on the dough (this acts as a stabilizer). Roll dough up and knead about 15 minutes, or until smooth and satiny. The dough should be firmer than regular white bread dough.

6

Cover and let rest 30 minutes.

Use the oil to grease the dough; cover and let rest in a warm area 1 12 hours or until double in size.

Dough Breaking

1

Divide dough into four equal parts. Roll one part by hand to form a rope approximately 9 (22.5 cm) inches long and 1 14 inchs in (3.12 cm) diameter.

2 3

Mark into 6 equal parts, 1 12 -inch (3.75 cm) long. Holding the dough with one hand, grip at the first mark with the thumb and index finger of the other hand and tear away briskly to break off a small dough piece. Continue breaking off until you have 12 pieces.

Dough Rolling

1 2 3

Flatten each piece of dough with your palm. Using a rolling pin, roll each into a round disc, making a quarter turn with each roll. Roll to leave the center thick; thinner edges are easier to pleat.

Assembling

1

Place about 1 12 tablespoons ( 34 ounce, 21 g) of filling at the center of each dough round, flat side up.

2 3

Gather the edges by first pleating counterclockwise, then twisting to seal securely. Let rest, covered, for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking

1

Steam on high heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not uncover the steamer any time during the steaming. If a flat-lid steamer is used, wrap the lid with a kitchen towel to prevent condensed steam from dripping on the buns.

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RECIPES

Chef Tip

Dough breaking instead of cutting is a traditional Cantonese practice in dim sum

restaurants. The breaking leaves no sharp cutting edges, which would require longer time for the dough to round out.

Char Sui Bau – Chinese Steamed Pork Buns, and Tea Leaf Eggs

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CHINA

Stir-Fried Squid with Fermented Black Bean Paste SERVES 4

Chef Tip

Squid is cut (scored) because as it cooks it rolls up, and the crosshatching cuts will catch

and hold the sauce. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

14 ounces

392 g

Squid body meat, scored and cut into 1 inch (2.4 cm × 2.4 cm) cubes

1 tablespoon

Salt

2 tablespoons

Vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

Ginger, grated

1 tablespoon

Garlic clove, minced

1

Red chile (hot) seeded, sliced thinly

3 tablespoons

1 12

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Red bell peppers, seeded, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Green bell peppers, seeded, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

ounces, 45 ml

Fermented black bean paste

2 teaspoons

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

Cilantro, chopped

Sauce 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

2 teaspoons 1 tablespoon

Chicken stock Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Light soy sauce

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RECIPES

PROCEDURE

1

To clean squid, grip the head in one hand and the body in the other. Gently pull the head away from the body. The ink sac will come out at the same time. Pull out the yellow jelly pouch and the translucent center bone inside the body.

2

Reserve only the body for this recipe and discard the rest or keep the tentacles for some other use. Open up the body cavity and under running water rub the purplish outer skin with fingers, peeling it off. On larger squid, the skin tends to be tough when cooked.

3 4

Rub and squeeze the squid with salt; rinse and drain well. Turn the inner side of a piece of squid up, scoring gently on the diagonal at (.6 cm) intervals, forming a diamond pattern.

1 4

inch

5

Bring 6 cups (1.4 l) water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the squid immediately. Stir once and pour into a colander to drain. Arrange in a single layer on paper towels and pat dry.

6 7

Prepare ingredients for sauce and set aside.

8

Add squid and stir-fry 45 seconds. Push squid and vegetables to the side, restir the sauce mixture, and add to the center of the wok, stirring until thickened. Sizzle in the wine along the edges, stir to mix all ingredients, and glaze with sesame oil.

9

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, mix well, and serve.

Set wok over high heat; when very hot; add the oil. Add the ginger, garlic, and chile; stir-fry for 10 seconds. Add the bean paste and cook 10 seconds. Add the bell peppers and onions; stir-fry 1 minute.

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CHINA

Buddha’s Delight

SERVES 4

Adapted from Louhan Zhai, the vegetarian dish for the five hundred disciples sworn to protect the Buddhist way. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

8

Medium dried shiitake mushrooms or fresh

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Bamboo shoots

1 2

cup

2.5 ounces, 70 g

Firm tofu, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 slice

Ginger

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Snow peas or sugar snap beans, strings removed, rinsed

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Carrots, julienned

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Water chestnuts, sliced thin

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Napa cabbage, julienned

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Baby corn

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red pepper, diamond cut

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Gingko nuts, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

Seasoning 1 12 teaspoons 1 2

cup

1 2

teaspoon

Granulated sugar 4 ounces, 120 ml

Chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water White pepper

1 teaspoon

Salt

Slurry 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Water

1 tablespoon

Cornstarch

PROCEDURE

1

If using dried mushrooms, soak them in 12 cup (4 ounce, 120 ml) of warm water for about 15 minutes or until soft. Trim the stems and tough ends. Squeeze to extract moisture from shiitake. Reserve mushroom liquid; strain through cheesecloth.

2 3

Blanch all the vegetables individually in boiling water, rinse with cold water and reserve. Cut the bamboo shoots finely into pat dry with paper towel.

1 8

×

1 8

× 1 12 inch (.3 × .3 × 3.6 cm) shreds. Drain and

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RECIPES

4

Set wok or heavy-bottomed pot over medium high heat. When hot, add 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil. Flavor oil with 1 garlic clove; remove garlic when brown. Add the shiitake, stirring for 1 minute.

5 6 7

Add remaining blanched vegetables, stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes

8

Add sesame oil and serve hot.

Add mushroom liquid and all seasoning and bring to boil. Make a slurry by mixing water and cornstarch and add 1 to 2 tablespoons to vegetable mixture.

Buddha’s Delight

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CHINA

Fried Chicken Hong Kong Style SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

6 cups plus 2 tablespoons

49 ounces, 1.47 l

Vegetable oil

1

Egg, lightly beaten

As needed

Cornstarch and all-purpose flour mixed in 50:50 ratio

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

1 tablespoon

Onions, julienned Garlic clove, minced

Marinade 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Light soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

Dry sherry

ounce, 15 ml

1 teaspoon

Ginger juice

Sauce 1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Chicken stock

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Tomato catsup

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

Lemon juice

ounce, 15 ml

1 teaspoon

Lemon zest

1 tablespoon

Tapioca powder or cornstarch

1 4

Salt

teaspoon

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Brown sugar

PROCEDURE

1

Remove any yellow film on chicken thighs; rinse and pat dry. Prick with a fork so marinade can penetrate.

2

Mix marinade ingredients, combine with chicken, and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or in refrigerator 2 to 3 hours. Drain and reserve marinade.

3 4

Combine marinade with sauce ingredients and set aside. Heat 6 cups (48 ounces, 1.4 l) oil to 375◦ F (190◦ C), or until a piece of green onion or ginger sizzles noisily and quickly turns brown. While waiting on the oil, dip the chicken in egg and dredge in cornstarch-flour mixture. Shake off excess.

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RECIPES

Fried Chicken – Hong Kong Style

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CHINA

5

Add chicken to hot oil and deep fry until the coating sets and is lightly browned. Remove and drain.

6

Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove sediment from the oil. Reheat oil 400◦ F (204◦ C). Return chicken pieces and deep-fry until golden brown; remove and drain on paper towels.

7

Using a basket, add onions to hot oil. Fry onions 1 minute, until soft and translucent. Remove onions. Pour out oil and wipe wok clean.

8

Set wok over high heat and add 1 tablespoon ( 12 ounce, 15 ml) oil. Flavor oil with garlic; stir-fry 10 seconds. Mix sauce ingredients again and add to wok, stirring constantly until thickened. Turn heat to low, glaze the sauce with remaining oil, and turn off heat.

9

Arrange thighs in single layer on serving platter, top with fried onions, pour sauce over, and serve immediately.

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RECIPES

Steamed Whole Fish

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 each 1 12 pound

673 g

Whole firm fish, head and tail on (any firm, white fish such as rock cod, striped bass, snapper, perch, sole, or tilapia)

2

Whole green onions

1 8

teaspoon

White pepper

1 4

teaspoon

Salt

1 tablespoon

Ginger, grated

2 1 4

Green onions, thinly sliced cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

2 teaspoons 3 tablespoons 2

Vegetable oil Sesame oil

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

Light soy sauce Cilantro sprigs, 2 inch lengths

PROCEDURE

1 2

Clean and scale the fish; rinse well and pat dry.

3

Steam fish for approximately 10 minutes or until a chopstick can go easily into the thickest part of the fish. Remove from steamer; drain excess liquid. Discard green onions.

4

Sprinkle the white pepper and salt over the fish. Spread ginger and green onions on top of the fish.

5

Heat the oil and sesame oil to very hot and pour over the fish. Add the soy sauce to the bottom of the serving platter. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and serve.

Arrange green onions lengthwise on a heatproof fish platter; the platter should be large enough to hold the fish and be placed in the steamer. Place the fish on the green onions, so the steam will flow under and over the fish.

Steamed Whole Fish

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CHINA

Tea Leaf Eggs SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

4

INGREDIENT

Large eggs

Tea Leaf Mixture 3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Water

1 tablespoon

1 2

Dark soy sauce

ounce, 15 ml

1

Star anise, whole

2 teaspoon

Salt

2 tablespoons 1 tablespoon

Green tea leaves 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Rock sugar

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Combine eggs and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes.

5 6

Remove pan from heat and let eggs cool to room temperature.

Remove eggs and immerse in ice water until cool. Using a tablespoon, tap the shells gently to make fine cracks. Combine tea-leaf ingredients and bring to a boil. Add the cracked eggs and bring back to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Shell the eggs and serve cold.

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Korea The Land Korea is a rugged peninsula lying between China on the west and north and Japan to the east. It shares a very small border with Russia to the extreme northeast. Korea is surrounded by water on three sides: the Korea Bay and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait to the south, and the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan) to the east. There are more than 3,400 islands along the coast. Mountains and hills make up about 70 percent of the country. The Korean peninsula is divided by two political states: the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The counties are separated by a line 38 degrees north of the equator. North Korea occupies about 55 percent of the peninsula’s 84,402 square miles of land. To the west and south of the peninsula are broad coastal plains where the larger cities are located and where most of the agricultural land is found. With a combined population of nearly 72 million Koreans, in a country the size of Great Britain or New Zealand, the land is well used. The land gently slopes from the south and western coastal plains toward the mountains and drops steeply from the mountains to the East Sea.

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KO R E A

History The Korean Peninsula’s first inhabitants migrated from the northwestern regions of Asia. Some of these peoples also populated parts of northeast China (Manchuria); Koreans and Manchurians still show physical similarities. According to legend, the god-king Tangun founded the Korean nation in 2333 B.C. By the first century A.D., the Korean peninsula was divided into the kingdoms of Silla, Koguryo, and Paekche. In A.D. 668, the Silla kingdom unified the peninsula. The Koryo dynasty—from which Portuguese missionaries in the sixteenth century derived the Western name Korea—succeeded the Silla kingdom in 935. The Choson dynasty, ruled by members of the Yi clan, replaced Koryo in 1392 and lasted until the Japanese annexed Korea in 1910. Throughout most of its history, Korea has been invaded, influenced, and fought over by its larger neighbors. Korea was under Mongolian occupation from 1231 until the early fourteenth century and was plundered by Japanese pirates in 1359 and 1361. The unifier of Japan, Hideyoshi, launched major invasions of Korea in 1592 and 1597. When Western powers focused “gunboat” diplomacy on Korea in the mid-nineteenth century, Korea’s rulers adopted a closed-door policy, earning Korea the title of “Hermit Kingdom.” Though the Choson dynasty paid loyalty to the Chinese court and recognized China’s control in East Asia, Korea was independent until the late nineteenth century. At that time, China sought to block growing Japanese influence on the Korean peninsula and Russian pressure for commercial gains there. This competition resulted in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–95 and the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05. Japan emerged victorious from both wars and in 1910 annexed Korea as part of its growing empire. Japanese colonial administration was characterized by tight control from Tokyo and ruthless efforts to supplant Korean language and culture. Organized Korean resistance during this era—such as the March 1, 1919, Independence Movement—was unsuccessful, and Japan remained firmly in control until the end of World War II in 1945. Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces in August 1945, and Korea was liberated. However, the unexpectedly early surrender of Japan led to the immediate division of Korea into two occupation zones, with the United States administering the southern half of the peninsula and the U.S.S.R taking over the area to the north of the 38th parallel. This division was meant to be temporary and to facilitate the Japanese surrender until the U.S., Britain, the Soviet Union, and China could arrange a trusteeship administration. At a meeting in Cairo, it was agreed that Korea would be free “in due course.” At a later meeting in Yalta, it was agreed to establish a four-power trusteeship over Korea. In December 1945, a conference convened in Moscow to discuss the future of Korea. A five-year trusteeship was discussed, and a joint Soviet-American commission was established. The commission met intermittently in Seoul but deadlocked over the issue of establishing a national government.

May 13, 2008

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50

0

100

50

100

Onsong

150 miles

150

200 kilometers Unggi Puryong

Najin

lu

Chongjin

Chasong

Hyesan Kapsan

Kanggye

Kilchu Chosan Songjin Pukch’ong

Changjin

Huichon

Hamhung

Sinuiju

Sinpo Hungnam

Anju

Korea Bay

Yonghung

Sinmi

Choson Man

Wonsan

P’yongyang Nam

Namp’o

Kosong

Imjin

Sariwon

Chorwon

Haeju

Sea of Japan

Yanggu

Kaeson Chunchon

Kangyang

Seoul Inch’on

Ullung do

Ha n

Samchok

ng ga

Chingju

Chongju

Andong

Yellow Sea

Sangju

Yondok

Taejon Kunsan

Kumch’on

Puhang Taegu

Chonju

Kwangju

Masan

Chinju

Pusan

Mokp’o

Chin-do

a

t a i Sasuna t r Tsushima

o

r

e

S

K

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North and South Korea

273

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KO R E A

In September 1947, with no solution in sight, the United States submitted the Korean question to the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly. Initial hopes for a unified, independent Korea quickly evaporated as the politics of the Cold War and domestic opposition to the trusteeship plan resulted in the 1948 establishment of two separate nations with diametrically opposed political, economic, and social systems. War broke out in 1950. North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. The U.N. sent military assistance. The Korean War lasted three years and inflicted terrible damage to Korea before a cease-fire ended the war in 1953. The four-kilometer-wide area along the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea has become known as the DMZ, or Demilitarized Zone. In the forty-five years since the Korean War there have been continual conflicts along the DMZ. In 1993, Kim Young Sam became South Korea’s first civilian president following thirtytwo years of military rule. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern democracy. By contrast, North Korea is a communist government and one of the most isolated countries in the world. In June 2000, a historic first North-South summit took place between the South’s President Kim Tae-chung and the North’s leader Kim Jong Il. Efforts continue to unify North and South Korea.

The People Korea’s markets, its fishing and farming villages, modern though the buildings might be, remain very much the same as in the past. And its artisans—celadon pottery makers, for example—have re-created the great works of the past. All are traditional expressions of Korean culture, which is still based on certain six-hundred-year-old Confucian principles. Unlike a religion, Confucianism does not involve the worship of a higher being. But like some religions, it attempts to guide human relationships and improve social and ethical conduct. The fundamental thrust of Confucianism is to maintain peace and order. It has rules for familial relationships that emphasize harmony. It stresses the importance of education and respect for authority. The Korean family structure is part of a larger kinship structure that is defined by specific obligations. Multigenerational households are quite common in rural areas and in a Korean home, the head of the family—usually the oldest male—holds the position of authority and every family member is expected to do as he says. Large families have been prized and over many centuries families intermarried within the regions of Korea to form large clans. Family names reflect this. A dozen family names predominate, especially Kim, Park, Lee, Kang, and Cho. But Kims from the city of Pusan in the south are not the Kims from Seoul and all the Kims know

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THE FOOD

exactly to which group they belong. Custom forbids people marrying within their own clan, no matter how distant the cousin might be. In order to know who is who, families and clans keep detailed genealogical records that might go back many hundreds of years. Even in today’s Westernized Korea, many people can still recite the history of their clans and take pride in it. The oldest religious ideas in Korea are called shamanism. These are beliefs that the natural world is filled with spirits, both helpful and harmful, that can be addressed by people with special powers called shamans. Herbal medicines, dances, chants, and other ceremonies mark the work of shamans, most of whom are women. Though few people believe in the religious teachings today, they do accept old ideas about the natural world and use many ancient herbal remedies. Buddhism is one of the most popular religions in South Korea. The religion is based on the teachings of the Buddha; the basic idea is that salvation can come from giving up worldly desires and living in moderation. By living according to the Buddha’s teachings, a Buddhist believes that he or she can reach the state of nirvana—ultimate peace—wherein a person experiences no pain or worry. Taoism came from China and is similar to shamanism in its worship of many equally important gods. Taoism’s main principle is to create harmony between humans and nature. The many gods are used as ideals toward which humans can strive and Taoists believe that spiritual perfections can be attained in this life through patience, purity, and peace. Christianity was brought to Korea in the sixteenth century by Confucian intellectuals who learned about it in the Chinese capital of Peking. The first half of the nineteenth century was a difficult time for Korean Christians; thousands were persecuted and many were killed. Today South Korea is second in Asia only to the Philippines in its percentage of Christians.

The Food The climate of the Korean peninsula resembles the north central region of the United States: cold winters, warm summers, and long, pleasant autumns. Because the land is made up mostly of mountains and extends from the North Asian landmass into warmer seas in the south, Korea has many microenvironments. In the mountainous northeastern part of the country the most famous dishes have wild ferns, mushrooms, and native roots in them. Namul (raw or cooked vegetable or wild green dishes) is one of the most basic side dishes in the Korean diet. In the rice-growing valleys of the south, in the region of Chonju city, the best known dish, pibimpap (bibimpap), is a large bowl of rice covered in a variety of finely sliced vegetables, meats, and a fiery red pepper sauce. The basic flavors of Korean food include garlic, ginger, black pepper, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seed. The chile, a native to Central and South America, was spread across the world by Portuguese and Spanish merchants. Chiles and chile paste has become an important part of all Korean tables and many food preparations.

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KO R E A

Its peninsular location gives Koreans three different seas from which to gather fish: the Yellow Sea, the East Sea, and the unique microenvironment where the two seas come together at the south end of the peninsula, the Korea Strait. Fish from the Yellow Sea differ from those of the Eastern Sea (Sea of Japan) and those of the south coast differ from the others. Koreans are seafood connoisseurs and seek out the specialties of each region. But three types of seafood are served all the time. One kind is a small dried sardine, used not as a main dish but as condiments to be eaten with others and bowls of these appear at every meal, including breakfast. Another is dried cuttlefish (similar to squid or octopus), which is the most popular snack food. All along the road and streets near fishing ports are lines of these cephalopods hanging out to dry. Seaweed and seaweed products are known for numerous health benefits and are prepared to keep well in a climate that endures long winters. Pregnant women, new mothers, and babies are fed seaweed soups. Miyeok guk is a brown seaweed soup known as birthday soup. Koreans eat many preserved foods, prepared to keep over wintertime. Kimchi is Korea’s signature dish of spicy, pickled vegetables and is served every day at every meal. Kimchi is characterized by its sour, sweet, and carbonated taste, yet is very different from sauerkraut, which is a popular fermented vegetable product in the West. The first written description of making kimchi dates to about A.D. 1250. Many different recipes were published and fermentation methods “invented” for making kimchi, so it is not surprising that the tastes are quite different from one another. Despite the uniqueness of every kimchi, the basic taste is derived from salt, lactic acid fermentation of vegetables, spices (including hot red pepper, garlic, ginger, and green onion), and pickled fish or fresh seafood. There are about 170 different varieties and two or three kinds are served with meals. It is also used as a seasoning in soups and stews. In summer, kimchi is prepared weekly, since the vegetables are in season. But when winter sets in, no crops can be produced until late spring. The approach of winter marks the start of a long kimchee-making time called gimjang. During gimjang, Koreans gather in groups to cut, wash, and salt hundreds of pounds of the vegetables. After it is prepared, it is stored in the yard in large earthenware crocks. In the countryside, the crocks are buried up to their necks to keep the pickled vegetables from freezing. Bulgogi is one of Korea’s most famous grilled dishes. It is made from sirloin or another prime cut of beef (such as top round), cut into thin strips. For an outside barbecue, the meat is marinated in a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic, sugar, onions, ginger, and wine for at least four hours to enhance the flavor and to tenderize it. The marinated beef is cooked on a metal dish over the burner. Whole cloves of garlic, sliced onions, and chopped green peppers are often grilled at the same time. To eat, a piece of cooked beef is wrapped in lettuce with rice, kimchi, and shredded vegetables. There are no real “courses” in a Korean meal. Generally, all food is laid out on the table at the same time and eaten in any order. Dessert is not a Korean tradition; seasonal fruit is normally served with hot tea or coffee.

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G L O S S A RY

Glossary An-ju Appetizers or bar snacks, like tapas, usually savory, pungent, and strong-flavored foods

intended to promote thirst. Baechu (Napa Cabbage) The most popular vegetable used in traditional kimchi. Bap (pab)-or (Ssal) Rice; Koreans eat short-grain rice.

´ dish. Bokeum Stir-fried or sauteed Boo Long white radish resembling a parsnip in appearance, with a mild flavor. Tender white turnips can be substituted. Buchu Korean chives, resembling a bundle of long grass rather than ordinary chives. They are highly perishable. Bulgogi Grilled, marinated beef or other meat. Busut Mushrooms. Cellophane Noodles See Mung Bean Threads. Chang Gilum A strongly flavored sesame oil used for seasoning; made from roasted sesame

seeds. Chongol (Jongol) Korean one-pot stew, similar to Japanese sukiyaki. Dalaji White bellflower roots. Crunchy with a slightly sweet flavor, used both fresh and dried. Dang-myun Sweet potato noodles that are distinctly Korean. Made from potato and sweet potato starch, they must be soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes before using. Dubu Tofu or soybean curd. Dwenjang Fermented soybean paste, brownish yellow in color and chunky in texture, different

from the Japanese miso. Gam Persimmons. Gochu A chile pepper, introduced by Portuguese and Spanish traders in the seventeenth century. Gochu Galu Korean chile powder made from sun-dried thin red peppers. Gooksu, Myon or Kuksu Noodles. Gui Barbecued or grilled food.

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KO R E A

Jajang-myeon Korean noodle dish, black bean sauce, minced pork, and vegetables. Jjigae Jungol Liquid-based hot-pot main courses for everyone to share. Jjim, Jolim Simmered or stewed foods. Jook Porridge. Jon, Jun, Buchingae Batter-fried vegetables, meat, or fish. Kalbi Short ribs, either barbecued or braised in soy sauce. Kimchi Essentially the national dish of Korea, it combines countless varieties of pickled (fermented) vegetables. Most common kimchi consists of salted Korean cabbage, layered with garlic, ginger, chile paste, and salt or fermented fish, shrimp, or oysters. Kochujang (Gochujang) Hot chile and bean curd paste, a staple of the Korean kitchen. Kochukaru (Gochu Galu) Korean chile powder. Dried, powdered spicy red pepper. Kong-namul (Kohng Namool) Soybean sprouts. Laver (Gim) Edible seaweed. Mae un Tang Mae un means spicy; tang is a meat-based soup boiled for a long time. It has been

described as a “Korean bouillabaisse”—hot and spicy fish soup with chiles and kochujang. Malt Powder (Yut Gilum) Beige-colored powder made from dried barley. Malt powder made

from dried soybeans is called meju galu. Mandu Korean dumplings, filled with ground pork, kimchi, spring onions, and bean curd, usually poached in a rich beef broth. Manul Korea is number one in the world for garlic consumption per capita. Three major types of manul are grown in Korea: soinpyun, which has three or four large cloves; dainpyun, with many small cloves; and jangsun, grown mostly for its stems. Miwon Pure MSG in white crystal form. Miyuk or Dashima Kelp, sold dry. When soaked for about 10 minutes, it softens and expands,

becoming slightly slimy and flowing. Mu Radish, Asian or daikon. Mung Bean (Nokdu) Dried mung beans are very small and green in color, yellow if the green

husks have been removed. Dried split peas may be used as a substitute. Mung Bean Sprouts (Nokdu Namool) or Green Bean Sprouts (Sookju Namool) Mung bean sprouts and green bean sprouts are interchangeable. Smaller than soybean sprouts, they do not have the large yellow bean head.

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Mung Bean Threads Very fine dried noodles made from mung bean flour. Soak in water for 10

minutes before using. Myuichi Anchovies. Dried anchovies are commonly used in Korean cooking; salted anchovies (paste) are also used. Korean brands are usually less salty and pungent than those of other Asian countries. Naeng myon Literally, “cold noodle.” Korean noodles made from buckwheat flour and potato starch. They are brownish in color with a translucent appearance, most often eaten cold. Naju Bae An Asian pear that looks like a large brown apple with tough skin. It is very crispy and juicy, often peeled. Namool Vegetables. Oi Cucumbers; small pickling varieties are used in Korean cooking. Pa Green onions. Panchan Side dishes. Pibimbap One-dish meal of rice, vegetables, meat, fried egg, and kochujang. Pindaettok Mung bean pancake. Pokkum Stir-fried or braised dish. Saengsonhoe Raw fish. Saewu Jut Salted shrimp; tiny salted shrimp (krill) is one of the major ingredients in making

kimchi. Not to be confused with the more salty and pungent Southeast Asian shrimp paste. Sang-chi-sam Lettuce-wrapped meal accompanied by many side dishes. Sesame Seeds (Ggae) Used raw and toasted. There are two types, white and black. Shil Gochu These chile pepper threads are a traditional garnish. The hair-thin threads, which

resemble saffron, are machine-cut from dried red chile peppers. Shinsollo Korean hot pot. Soybean Paste Known as miso in Japan, a basic seasoning made from cooked soybeans, malt,

and salt. Tang Meat-based soup. Toen Jang Miso-like fermented soybean paste used in soups and stews. Twoenjangtchigae Pungent soybean paste soup, the soul of Korean cuisine. Wun Tun Skins Called wonton skins in North America, paper-thin squares or circles of dough.

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Menus and Recipes from Korea M E N U

O N E

Pa Jon: Korean-Style Pancake Yangnyum Ganjang: Seasoned Soy Sauce Mu Sangchae: Spicy Radish Salad Buhsut Namool: Seasoned Mushrooms Twigim Mandu: Fried Meat Dumplings Bibim Naeng Myun: Garden’s Cold Mixed Noodles Marinated Cucumbers Hacmul Jungol: Seafood Hot Pot Kalbi-Kui: Barbecue Beef Ribs Kimchi: Traditional Napa Cabbage Soo Jeung Kwa: Persimmon Punch M E N U

T W O

Jahb Chae: Mung Bean Noodles Dak Chochu Jang Boekum: Chicken in Hot Chile Sauce Dubu Jolim: Simmered Tofu Dan Kim Kui: Crispy Seaweed Kohng Namool: Seasoned Soybean Sprouts Bulgogi (Boolgogi): Fire Meat Ojingo Pokum: Squid with Vegetables in Chile Hot-Sweet Sauce M E N U

T H R E E

Bibimbap: Garnished Rice Dwaeji Galbi: Spicy Pork Ribs Bibim Gooksu: Spicy Summer Noodles Maeum Tang: Spiced Fish Soup Kaji Namul: Marinated Eggplant Oi Bok Kum Namul: Cooked Cucumbers Seng Sun Bulgogi: Barbecued Spiced Fish Yak Sik: Steamed Rice Pudding

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RECIPES

Pa Jon Chef Tip

Korean-Style Pancake

SERVES 4

For crispy pancakes, use very cold water in the batter.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 teaspoon

INGREDIENT

Salt

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

All-purpose flour

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Rice flour

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Ice cold water

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Green onions, 1 12 inch (3.75 cm) long, julienned

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Zucchini (skin on), seeded, julienned

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Red bell pepper, julienned

2 ounces, 60 ml

Vegetable oil

4 tablespoons

Yangnyum Ganjang or Cho Ganjang (recipes follow)

PROCEDURE

1

Sift salt and flours together; add water a little at time, mixing until it is the consistency of thin pancake batter.

2 3 4

Add vegetables and mix.

5

Cut pancake into 4 or 8 pieces and serve hot with Yangnyum Ganjang (seasoned soy sauce) or Cho Ganjang (vinegar soy sauce).

Over medium-high heat, coat griddle or frying pan with just enough oil to thinly cover. Cook batter in two batches, creating two large flat circles. Distribute the batter and vegetables evenly around the pan. Cook to golden brown, 3 minutes. Flip and cook other side, 2–3 minutes. Adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning; add oil as needed. Smaller pancakes are acceptable.

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Yangnyum Ganjang Seasoned Soy Sauce

YIELD:

1 2

CUP (4 OUNCES, 120 ML)

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Soy sauce

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onion, minced

cup

1 tablespoon

Toasted sesame seeds 1 2

1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

1 2

tablespoon

Kochukaru (Korean chile powder)

1 2

teaspoon

Black pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Combine all ingredients.

Cho Ganjang Vinegar Soy Sauce YIELD:

1 2

CUP (4 OUNCES, 120 ML)

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Soy sauce

2 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Rice vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

Toasted sesame seeds

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Combine all ingredients.

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RECIPES

Mu Sangchae Spicy Radish Salad AMOUNT

SERVES 4–6

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 teaspoon

Kochukaru (Korean chile powder)

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Rice or white vinegar

1 tablespoon

Sugar

1 tablespoon

Salt

2 cups

12 ounces, 336

Daikon, peeled and julienned

PROCEDURE

1

Combine chile powder vinegar, sugar, and salt, stir to dissolve completely. Mix vinegar with daikon, let marinate under refrigeration for 2 hours before serving.

2

Serve chilled.

Buhsut Namool Seasoned Mushrooms

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

1 2

Sesame oil

ounce, 15 ml

1 2 cups

Garlic clove, minced 5 ounces, 140 g

Shiitake mushrooms,

1 4

1 teaspoon

Soy sauce

1 teaspoon

Sesame seeds, toasted

inch (.6 cm) slices

PROCEDURE

1

Heat sesame oil over medium-high heat; add garlic and mushrooms and stir-fry 2–3 minutes. Add soy sauce, toss, and remove from heat.

2

Serve warm or cold, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

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Twigim Mandu Fried Meat Dumplings

YIELD: 24 DUMPLINGS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Mung bean or green bean sprouts

4 ounces, 112 g

Ground pork Onion, minced

cup

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

2 1 2

Green onion, white and green top, minced Garlic cloves, minced

tablespoon

1

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Ginger, peeled and minced Small egg

1 2

teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 4

teaspoon

Salt

1 4

teaspoon

White pepper

24

Round or square dumpling (wonton) wrappers, fresh (recipe follows) or purchased

As needed

Vegetable oil, for frying

PROCEDURE

1

Blanch mung bean sprouts in boiling water, shock in ice water, and squeeze out all excess moisture. Chop fine.

2

Combine chopped sprouts and remaining ingredients except dumpling wrappers and vegetable oil; mix well.

3

To make each dumpling, place 1 12 teaspoons (7.5 ml) filling in the center of a wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling in a semicircle for a round wrapper or a triangle for a square wrapper. Seal the edges by moistening them with a little water and pinching them. (To form a hat-shaped mandu, moisten the corners for the semicircular dumplings and bring them together, pinching them so that the dumpling forms a sort of fat tortellini.) Keep both wonton skins and dumplings moist under plastic or damp towels as you work. Repeat until all filling or wrappers are used.

4

Over medium-high heat, added enough oil to a frying pan to cover the bottom surface. Place dumpling in hot pan, filling but not crowding; you don’t want the dumplings to touch and stick together.

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RECIPES

5

Fry until golden brown and crispy on one side. Flip (long wooden chopsticks work great), cooking on all sides until golden and crispy all over. Continue cooking, adding oil as needed.

6

Serve with warm Cho Ganjang.

Mandu Pi Fresh Dumpling Skins YIELD: 50 SKINS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

All-purpose flour

1 4

teaspoon

2 3

cup

Salt 5.25 ounces, 158 ml

Water

PROCEDURE

1

Sift together flour and salt. Add water to a bowl; add flour a little at a time, mixing with each addition. Continue kneading until dough is well mixed and stiff. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.

2

Roll out on a floured surface or use a pasta machine. Pinch off small pieces and make them into round balls to roll out flat with a rolling pin. Alternately, roll the dough into small sausage-shaped rolls and slice them before rolling them into flat thin circles.

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Bibim Naeng Myun Garden’s Cold Mixed Noodles

SERVES 4

After serving, the dish is eaten by stirring everything into the sauce with chopsticks. Note: the sauce is very hot and spicy. AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

INGREDIENT

Red pepper paste (recipe follows)

1 3

cup

2.66 ounces, 80 ml

Soy sauce

2 tablespoons

Granulated sugar

1 14

tablespoons

Garlic, minced

2 14

tablespoons

Green onions, minced, white part

1 tablespoon 1 4

cup

3 tablespoons 1 12

Sesame seeds, toasted and crushed 2 ounces, 60 ml

Sesame oil

1 12 ounces, 45 ml

Beef broth

pounds

Fresh-frozen buckwheat noodles (naeng myun), or 12 ounces dried, or 9 ounces bean threads

1 1 cup

Asian pear or other hard pear, peel, cored, and sliced lengthwise, 14 inch (.6 cm) 8 ounces, 224 g

2

Marinated cucumbers (recipe follows) Hard-cooked eggs

PROCEDURE

1

Combine red pepper paste, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, onion, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and broth. Mix or process until well blended and almost smooth.

2

Cook frozen noodles about 45 seconds in boiling water or until they are chewy but tender. Rinse with cold water, drain well, and chill. Or, if using dried noodles or bean threads, soak in water to cover 20 minutes, boil 1 minute; drain, rinse, and chill.

3

Divide the sauce among 4 bowls. Mound a fourth of the noodles in each bowl in the center of the sauce with a border of red sauce showing.

4 5

Arrange the pear slices and cucumbers on noodles. Top with half a hard-cooked egg.

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RECIPES

Red Pepper Paste AMOUNT 3 4

cup plus 1 tablespoon

3 4

cup plus 1 tablespoon

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Crushed red hot Korean peppers, or New Mexico or Guajillo chile peppers 6 12 ounces, 195 ml

Water

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine water and crushed peppers; let soak 30 minutes. Process in a blender or food processor, or use a mortar and pestle to get a thick, slightly textured paste. Adjust thickness with water.

Marinated Cucumbers SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Rice vinegar

1 tablespoon

Granulated sugar

1 21

teaspoons

Salt

1 21

cups

8 ounces, 224 g

European cucumber, unpeeled, sliced lengthwise inch (.3 cm) thick and 2 21 inches (6.25 cm) long

1 8

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt; stir to dissolve. Add cucumbers; cover and marinate at least 2 hours at room temperature. Refrigerate until ready to use.

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Hacmul Jungol Seafood Hot Pot

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

5 ounces, 140 g

Onion,

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Shiitake mushrooms,

8 ounces, 224 g

Napa cabbage, (5 cm) 2-inch-long strips

cup

2 cups

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slices

1 12

teaspoons

Garlic, minced

1 12

teaspoons

Ginger, minced

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slice

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Chicken broth (stock)

3 4

4 ounces, 112 g

Squid, cleaned, sliced into thin (5 cm) 2-inch-long strips

4 ounces

112 g

16–20 shrimp

4 ounces

112 g

Fresh oysters, shelled, cleaned

cup

4

Medium clams, shelled, cleaned

1 tablespoon

Chile paste (red pepper paste)

1 tablespoon

Kochukaru (Korean chile powder)

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onion, cut on the diagonal, 2 inch (5 cm) long

3

Chrysanthemum leaves (optional)

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Combine onion, mushroom, cabbage, garlic, and ginger with stock. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer.

2

Add seafood, chile paste, and chile powder to taste. Let cook until seafood is just done, 2 to 3 minutes.

3 4 5

Add green onions and chrysanthemum leaves; simmer 1 minute. Correct seasoning. Serve by placing the hot pot in middle of the table.

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RECIPES

Kalbi-Kui Barbecue Beef Ribs

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Soy sauce

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

cup

2 tablespoons 1 4

teaspoon

Dry mustard

1 4

teaspoon

Black pepper, freshly ground

1 teaspoon

Sesame seeds

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Rice vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

1 teaspoon

Ginger, minced

4

Garlic cloves, minced

1 4

cup

2 21

pounds

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onions, chopped

1.12 kg

Korean-style short ribs (beef chuck flanken), cut 13 to 1 2 inch (.83 cm to 1.2 cm) thick across the bones, about 8 to 10 pieces

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine all ingredients except short ribs; whisk well.

3

Add short ribs to the marinade and coat evenly, turning the meat so the scored side is face-down in the marinade. Cover and let stand at least 3 hours, or refrigerate overnight, if possible.

4

Broil over charcoal, grill, or cook under a broiler. Look for outside to become crisp.

Trim the excess fat from the ribs. Score the meat deeply every the bone.

1 2

inch (1.2 cm), almost to

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KO R E A

Kimchi Traditional Napa Cabbage

YIELD: 1 GALLON

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon

8 12

Salt

1 2

64 ounces, 1.92 l

gallon

ounces, 238 g

Water

2

Napa cabbage heads, cut into 2 inch (5 cm) wedges

1

Garlic head, cloves separated and peeled

2 1 4

cup

1-inch (2.4 cm) pieces

Ginger root

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fish sauce or Korean salted shrimp

1 bunch 1 2

cup

1 teaspoon

Green onion, 1 inch (2.4 cm) pieces 4 ounces, 112 g

Korean ground chile Granulated sugar

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Dissolve 1 cup (8 ounces, 224 g) salt in water. Soak cabbage in salt water 3 to 4 hours.

5

Spread green onion/chile mixture between cabbage leaves, making sure to fill each leaf adequately.

6

When all the cabbage has been stuffed, wrap a few of the larger leaves tightly around the rest of the cabbage, making tight bundles.

7

Divide cabbage among four 1-quart (960 ml) jars or one 1-gallon (1.28 l) jar, pressing down firmly to remove any air bubbles.

8

Let stand 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator to ferment.

Combine garlic, ginger, and fish sauce and process until almost smooth. Combine green onions, garlic mixture, chile, 1 tablespoon ( 21 ounce, 14 g) salt, and sugar. Drain cabbage and rinse thoroughly. Drain well in colander, squeezing as much water from the leaves as possible.

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RECIPES

Soo Jeung Kwa Persimmon Punch

YIELD: 1 QUART

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 quart

32 ounces, 960 ml

Cold water

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Ginger, peeled, sliced thin

cup

2 1 2

Cinnamon sticks cup

4 ounces, 112 g

2 1 4

INGREDIENT

Granulated sugar Dried persimmons, sliced, or 4 fresh or 10 dried apricots, 1 inch (2.5 cm) dice

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Pine nuts

PROCEDURE

1

Simmer water, ginger, and cinnamon sticks for 30 minutes or until water turns slightly red.

2 3

Strain, add sugar and persimmons, and let cool. Serve well chilled with a teaspoon of pine nuts floating in each cup.

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Jahb Chae Mung Bean Noodles

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Spinach

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

Minced garlic

As needed

Salt

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion, julienned

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Green onions, bias cut into 2 inch (5 cm) pieces

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Carrots, peeled, julienned

1 cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced

As needed

Soy sauce

As needed

Granulated sugar

As needed

Vegetable oil

6 ounces

168 g

Dang myun (Korean starch noodles), cover with boiling water, let stand 15 to 20 minutes or until softened, drained

As needed

Pepper

As needed

Sesame seeds, toasted

PROCEDURE

1

Blanch spinach in boiling salted water; cool under cold running water. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Cut into 3 inch (7.2 cm) lengths.

2

Combine sesame oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Toss with spinach and set aside.

3

Over medium high heat saute´ all the vegetables separately with vegetable oil. To use the same pan, start with light-colored vegetables: onions, green onions, carrots, then shiitake mushrooms. The vegetables do not need to take on color, they just need to be softened.

4

´ Toss the sauteed shiitake mushrooms with 12 teaspoon (2.5 ml) soy sauce, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil mix together.

5

Combine 1 12 cups (12 ounces, 360 ml) water, 14 cup (2 ounces, 56 g) sugar, 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) soy sauce, and 14 cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) vegetable oil to make dang myon seasoning.

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RECIPES

6

In correct size pan, combine dang myon seasoning and soaked noodles. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally for a few minutes until liquid is absorbed, then stir constantly until noodles are soft and translucent. Remove from heat, let cool, and cut into manageable length.

7

Toss noodles and vegetables; correct seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to a shallow serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Jahb Chae – Mung Bean Noodles

293

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KO R E A

Dak Chochu Jang Boekum Chicken in Hot Chile Sauce

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 12 pounds

672 g

Chicken, cut into 3 inch (7.2 cm) pieces

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 56 g

Granulated sugar

2 1 4

Garlic cloves, minced cup

1 tablespoon

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onions, chopped

1 2

Fresh ginger, peeled, minced

ounce, 15 ml

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy sauce

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Gochu jang (Korean hot fermented chile paste)

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

2 tablespoons

1 3

Sesame seeds, toasted

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

cup

ounce, 10 g

Water

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Toss chicken pieces with sugar and let stand 1 hour. Combine all other ingredients except water. Toss chicken pieces with mixture and let stand 1 hour. Bring water to a boil, add chicken and marinade, and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir to prevent burning.

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RECIPES

Dubu Jolim

Simmered Tofu

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

18 ounces

504 g

Firm tofu

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy sauce

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onion, sliced thin

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Red bell pepper, minced

1 2

Vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

PROCEDURE 1 2

1

Rinse tofu in cold water. Cut into towels.

2 3

Combine soy sauce, garlic, green onions, and red bell pepper. Set aside.

4

Reduce heat to medium; add soy mixture, spooning over the top. Cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes until infused with the seasoning.

inch (1.2 cm) cubes. Set aside to drain on paper

Heat oil over medium high heat and add tofu; make sure a flat side of each piece is in contact with the pan. The tofu will still have moisture, so be careful of splatters. Cook until first side is light brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Turn over and brown the opposite side, 2 to 4 minutes.

295

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KO R E A

Dan Kim Kui

Crispy Seaweed

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

As needed

Sesame oil

10

Nori (seaweed) sheets

As needed

Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Using a pastry brush, brush a thin layer of oil onto the seaweed. Sprinkle a little salt over the entire sheet. Turn over and repeat on the other side.

2

In a large fry pan over medium heat, toast the nori until they turn brownish dark green; flip and toast the other side.

3

Cut toasted nori sheets down the middle lengthwise, then cut twice crosswise to make 6 small pieces.

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RECIPES

Kohng Namool Seasoned Soybean Sprouts

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 cups

16 ounces, 448 g

Soybean sprouts

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions, thinly sliced

cup

1 21

tablespoons

Garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon

Toasted sesame seeds, crushed 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

1 teaspoon

White vinegar

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Kochukaru (Korean chile powder)

PROCEDURE

1 2

Wash bean sprouts in cold water, removing any bean husks.

3 4

Rinse in cold water and drain.

Combine sprouts and 1 cup (8 ounces, 240 ml) water in a pot with lid. Bring to a boil and cook 3 minutes. Do not lift lid. Remove from heat. Combine remaining ingredients, mix well, and toss with sprouts. Correct seasoning with salt and chile powder.

297

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KO R E A

Bulgogi (Boolgogi) Fire Meat

SERVES 4

While literally translated as “fire meat,” bulgogi is a nonspicy dish. Traditionally, it is eaten wrapped in green lettuce with gochujang (bean-paste hot sauce), but it may also simply be placed over a bowl of rice. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

4 ounces, 112 g

Asian or hard pear, peeled, cored, and grated

2 tablespoons

1 2

Onion, minced

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onion, sliced thin

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sake

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Water

cup

cup

cup

ounce, 14 g

1 tablespoon 2 tablespoons

Garlic, minced 1 ounce, 30 ml

2 teaspoons

Sesame oil Sesame seeds

1 teaspoon

Black pepper, freshly ground

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

1 pound

448 g

Beef top round, partially frozen, cut very thin into 2 inch (5 cm) squares.

As needed

Bulgogi sauce (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Combine all ingredients except the beef; stir well to dissolve. Add beef to marinade and toss; marinate for at least 3 hours. Drain meat, discarding marinade. Cook beef on a bulgogi grill pan or grill over hot charcoal or stir-fry over high heat. Dip broiled, grilled, or stir-fried meat slices in bulgogi sauce.

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RECIPES

Ojingo Pokum – Squid with Vegetables in Chili-Hot Sweet Sauce, Dubu Jolim – Simmered Tofu, Bulgogi (Boolgogi) – Fire Meat, Kimchi, Rice

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KO R E A

Bulgogi Sauce SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1

Garlic clove

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

To taste

Granulated sugar Salt

3 tablespoons

1 12 ounces, 45 ml

Dark soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

Sesame oil

ounce, 15 ml

1 teaspoon

Chinese bean paste

1 teaspoon

Sesame seeds, toasted

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

1 teaspoon 1 tablespoon 1 4

Sake or dry sherry Green onion, white part, minced

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1 2

INGREDIENT

Crush garlic with sugar and salt to make a smooth paste. Combine remaining ingredients.

Oil Cayenne pepper

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RECIPES

Ojingo Pokum Squid with Vegetables in Chile Hot-Sweet Sauce SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Green onions, cut into 1 inch (2.4 cm) lengths

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Spicy Korean red peppers, or red bell peppers, julienned

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Carrots, julienned

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onions, julienned

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Mushrooms, sliced thin

1 pound

448 g

Squid, cleaned and cut into flat 1 × 2 inch (2.4 × 4.8 cm) inch pieces

2 teaspoons

Garlic, minced

2 teaspoons

Granulated sugar

1 tablespoon

Red pepper flakes or kochukaru (Korean chile powder)

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Heat the oil, add the vegetables, and stir-fry 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add squid, garlic, and sugar. Stir-fry 2 minutes. Add chile powder and cook over high heat 1 minute. Serve hot.

301

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KO R E A

Bibimbap

Garnished Rice

SERVES 4

This is a one-dish meal with rice and an assortment of seasonal vegetables, and often a small bit of meat may be added. It is traditionally served in a heated stone pot, garnished with a raw egg yolk on top. When eaten, everything is mixed together, and the raw yolk is fully cooked by the heated stone.

Red Pepper Paste AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Red pepper paste

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

Garlic, minced

2 tablespoons

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Green onion, white part, minced

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Granulated sugar

1 tablespoon 2 tablespoons

Sesame seed, toasted 1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

PROCEDURE

1

Combine all ingredients and simmer on low heat until thick.

Seasoning Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Soy sauce

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Granulated sugar

1 tablespoon

1 2

Rice wine

ounce, 15 ml

1 tablespoon

Green onion, minced

1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

Sesame seeds, toasted

1 2

Black pepper

teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1

Garlic, minced 1 2

Combine all ingredients.

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RECIPES

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

18 ounces, 504 g

White rice, cooked

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Carrots, julienned blanched

1 teaspoon

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

Sesame seeds

Pinch

Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Stir-fry rice and carrots with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (5 ml) sesame seed, and a pinch of salt.

1 2

teaspoon (2.5 ml) sesame oil,

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

English cucumber, julienned

2 teaspoons

Salt

1 2

Sesame oil

teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1

Sprinkle cucumber with 1 teaspoon salt; toss and let stand 10 minutes. Squeeze out the moisture and stir-fry in 1 teaspoon salt and 12 teaspoon sesame oil until hot.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Bean sprouts

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

cup

Boiling water, salted

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 teaspoon

Green onion

1 2

Garlic

teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1

Scald bean sprouts in boiling salted water. Drain and mix with remaining ingredients.

303

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KO R E A

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Spinach, blanched, moisture squeezed out

1 teaspoon

Soy sauce

1 2

teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 2

teaspoon

Sesame seeds

1 teaspoon

Green onion

1 2

Garlic

teaspoon

To taste

Black pepper

PROCEDURE

1

Stir-fry spinach with soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seed, green onion, garlic, and black pepper.

AMOUNT

4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Whole eggs

PROCEDURE

1

Fry egg to taste. Serving

1

Place 14 of the rice in 4 warm bowls. Arrange vegetables in separate mounds around the rice. Top each serving with 1 egg. Serve with red pepper paste, which is normally mixed together with the rice and vegetables. Serve the seasoning sauce on the side.

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RECIPES

Dwaeji Galbi Spicy Pork Ribs AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 inch (2.4 cm)

Ginger root, peeled, minced

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Chile paste

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Korean malt syrup (mool yut) or corn syrup or honey

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

1 2

cup

teaspoon

1 41

pound

Black pepper 560 g

Pork back ribs, trimmed and cut into serving pieces

PROCEDURE

1 2

Preheat oven to 350◦ F (176◦ C)

3

Arrange ribs, slightly overlapping in roasting pan. Cover with foil; bake 1 hour or until ribs are tender. Set aside and reserve roasting juices.

4

When ready to serve, heat grill to medium-high heat and grill 5 to 6 minutes per side. Baste with roasting juices.

Combine ginger, garlic, chile paste, malt syrup, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Rub marinade generously over meat. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or longer.

305

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KO R E A

Bibim Gooksu Spicy Summer Noodles AMOUNT

MEASURE

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Kimchi, chopped

1 12 cup

9 ounces, 252 g

Cucumber, peeled, seeded, julienned

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

10 ounces

280 g

Rice vinegar Granulated sugar Dried buckwheat noodles (naeng myun), cooked and cooled in ice water

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Combine kimchi and cucumbers. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, vinegar, and sugar; stir to dissolve. Toss dressing with vegetables. Drain the noodles thoroughly and divide among four shallow bowls. Top each portion with the vegetable mixture and serve immediately.

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RECIPES

Bibim Gooksu − Spicy Summer Noodles

307

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KO R E A

Maeum Tang

Spiced Fish Soup

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Cod fillets, skinned, boned, 1 12 inch (3.6 cm) cubes

2 12 cups

20 ounces, 600 ml

Water or light fish stock

2 tablespoons

1 ounces, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

2 tablespoons

1 2

Green onion, white part, minced

ounce, 14 g

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

2

Garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon

Ginger, minced

2–4 teaspoons

Chile powder, to taste

2 teaspoons

Salt

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced thin

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Green pepper, julienne cut

cup

PROCEDURE

1

Combine cod and water; bring to a simmer and cook 3–4 minutes or until just cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

2

Heat oil over medium high heat; stir-fry onions, green onions, garlic, ginger, and chile powder for 1 minute. Add salt, zucchini, and green peppers; stir-fry one minute.

3

Combine vegetables with soup, bring back to simmer, and serve hot.

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RECIPES

Kaji Namul Marinated Eggplant

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 or 3

8 ounces, 224 g

Japanese eggplants, ends trimmed

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions, green and white parts, minced

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy sauce

cup

2 tablespoons 1

Garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon

Sesame seeds

2 teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 teaspoon

Rice vinegar

PROCEDURE

1

Steam eggplant in a Chinese-style steamer until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool and cut into 3-inch (7.2 cm) strips.

2

Combine remaining ingredients; whisk together. Toss dressing with eggplant and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve at room temperature.

309

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KO R E A

Oi Bok Kum Namul Cooked Cucumbers

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut (.6 cm × .6 cm × .6 cm) long

1 14 teaspoons 1 12

×

1 4

× 2 12 inches

Salt 3 4

ounce, 20 ml

2 tablespoons

1 2

ounce, 14 g

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

tablespoons

1 4

Sesame seed oil Green onions, minced Soy sauce

2 teaspoons

Chile powder

1 12

Granulated sugar

teaspoon

1 tablespoon

Sesame seeds, toasted

PROCEDURE

1 2

Toss cucumber with salt and let stand 10 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

3

Add soy sauce, chile powder, and sugar; toss to distribute evenly. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

4

Serve warm or slightly chilled.

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ cucumbers and green onions until they begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.

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RECIPES

Seng Sun Bulgogi Barbecued Spiced Fish AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

5 ounces each, 140 g each

Fillet of fish, sea bass, red snapper, flounder, or similar fish, skin on

1 teaspoons 1 21 pounds

SERVES 4

Salt

2 teaspoons

Kochujang (Gochujang) paste

1 teaspoon

Granulated sugar

1 2

Black pepper

teaspoon

1 teaspoon

Toasted sesame seeds

1 teaspoon

Sesame oil

1 teaspoon

Rice wine

2 tablespoons

Green onions, minced

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon

Ginger root, minced

PROCEDURE

1

Sprinkle salt over fish fillet and let stand under refrigeration for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to dry out. Turn the pieces over a few times.

2 3

Mix remaining ingredients to a paste. Rub paste into fish fillets. Let stand 30 minutes. Grill or broil filets until just done, 3 to 5 minutes per side, according to thickness. Do not overcook. Serve hot or warm.

311

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KO R E A

Yak Sik

Steamed Rice Pudding

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 34 cup

12 41 ounces, 343 g

Glutinous rice

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sesame oil

1 2

teaspoon

1 2

cup

2 21 ounces, 70 g

Raisins

cup

3 21

Dates, pitted, cut in half

1 2

Ground cinnamon

ounces, 98 g

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Packaged chestnuts, peeled, cut in half

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Honey

cup

2 tablespoons

Pine nuts

Seasoning Mix 1 12 tablespoons

3 4

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Brown sugar

cup

5 41

Granulated sugar

3 4

ounce, 22.5 ml

ounces, 147 g

Soy sauce

PROCEDURE

1

Wash rice and soak in cold water 4 hours, if possible. Drain and steam 30 minutes. Transfer hot cooked rice to a large bowl.

2

Combine seasoning mix ingredients and fold into the hot rice until well mixed. Add sesame oil and cinnamon and mix again. Gently add the raisins, dates, and chestnuts while stirring.

3

Return mixture to steamer and steam for one hour. Test one of the chestnuts to make sure everything is cooked. Sprinkle with honey and mix while steaming. Serve topped with pine nuts.

4

For an alternative serving presentation, press the hot steamed rice pudding into a form lined with film or foil. Make at least three layers, sprinkling pine nuts on each layer. Let cool enough to slice into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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2:47

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Southeast Asia The Land Southeast Asia, a region of Asia of over 1,740,000 square miles, is bordered by the Indian subcontinent on the west, China on the north, and the Pacific Ocean on the east. The name “Southeast Asia” came into popular use after World War II and has replaced such phrases as “Further India,” “East Indies,” “Indo-China,” and “Malay Peninsula,” which formerly designated all or part of the region. Southeast Asia includes the Indochina Peninsula, which juts into the South China Sea, the Malay Peninsula, and the Indonesian and Philippine archipelagos. The region has ten independent countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Peninsular Southeast Asia is a rugged region traversed by many mountains and drained by great rivers such as the Thanlwin, Ayeyarwady, Chao Phraya, and Mekong. Insular Southeast Asia is made up of numerous volcanic and coral islands. Overall, the region has a generally tropical rainy climate, with the exception of the northwestern part, which has a humid subtropical climate. The wet monsoon winds are vital for the economic well-being of the region. Tropical forests cover most of the area. Rice is the chief crop of the region; rubber, tea, spices, and coconuts are also important. The region has a great variety of minerals and produces most of the world’s tin.

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

History Throughout the early human history of Southeast Asia, one group after another was displaced and pushed southward by successive waves of immigrants from China and Tibet. Only the inhabitants of the highlands retained their traditional culture. By the first century A.D., traders from India and China were vying for a foothold in the region, drawn there by its rich abundance of minerals, spices, and forest products. For the next thirteen or fourteen centuries, India’s influence dominated, except in what is now Vietnam. Although there is some small Indian influence seen in the cuisine, China maintained a political foothold in Vietnam for a thousand years. Even after it lost control over the area during the 900s, Chinese migrants and merchants continued to make a strong impact on the region. Throughout this long period, local kingdoms, such as the Khmer empire, rose and fell, but the peoples of the region were never unified culturally. Frequently, they were caught up in savage wars with one another. Even today, there is a legacy of distrust among groups of differing ancestries in Southeast Asia. In the late fifteenth century Islamic influences grew strong but were overshadowed by the arrival of Europeans, who established their power throughout Southeast Asia; only Thailand remained free of colonial occupation. Because of Southeast Asia’s strategic location between Japan and India, and the importance of shipping routes that traverse it, the region became the scene of battles between Allied and Japanese forces during World War II. Since the war the countries of Southeast Asia have reemerged as independent nations. They have been plagued by political turmoil, weak economies, ethnic strife, and social inequities, although the situation for most Southeast Asian nations improved in the 1980s and 1990s. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, however, there were open conflicts between communist and non-Communist factions, especially in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. In 1967 Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand created the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the objectives of which are to promote regional economic growth, political stability, social progress, and cultural developments. Since then, Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos (1997), and Myanmar and Cambodia (1999) have joined ASEAN. In 1997 a monetary collapse in Thailand sparked a general economic crisis in several nations in the region; the results were most severe in Indonesia, which underwent economic, political, and social turmoil in the late 1990s. Religion, ethnicity, and language are diverse throughout Southeast Asia. There are dozens of religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Roman Catholicism. Hundreds of languages are spoken throughout.

Padang

Vientiane

LAOS

Luang Prabang

t

of al

ac

OCEA N

Phnom Penh

R

A

L

Palembang

N

Y

D

O

I

Java

N

S

I

Banjarmasin

A

Sabah

Palawan

Lombok

Chann

Flores

I

Sulawesi

Philippine

D

Timor

S

Seram

I

Banda Sea

E

EAST TIMOR

N

Ceram Sea Buru

Timor

Dili

O

Halmahera

MOLUCCAS

Timor Sea

Sea

N

Samar

Mindanao

Bohol

Cebu

Celebes Sea

Zamboanga

Sulu Sea

el

PHILIPPINES

Negros

Panay

Mindoro

Manila

Luzon

Bashi

TAIWAN TA I WA N

Southeast Asia

Bali

Flores Surabaya

E

A Sarawak

Bandar Seri Begawan

BRUNEI

China

South

HongKong Kong Hong

Kalimantan Balikpapan (Borneo)

Kuching

S

Java S e a

Belitung

Pontianak

Bangka

Jakarta

Jambi

I

A

SI NG AP O R E

Johor Bharu

Nha Trang

VIETNAM

Danang Hoi An

Hue

Hainan

Haikou

CHINA

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Tioman Island

Kuantan

M ca

S u ma m attra ra

M

Kuala Lumpur

Peninsular Malaysia

Koh Samui

M

Gulf of Tonkin

Hanoi

CAMBODIA

(Gulf of Siam)

Gulf of Thailand

Pattaya

Ko Samet

EBangkok

THAILAND

Chiang Mai

INDIAN

Medan

Penang Island

Langkawi Island

Phuket

Sea

A n da m a n

Yangon

(BURMA)

Macao

ait

Macao

k Ma

i r S tr

ra as sa

St

uc

r

ol

ve

.

M

Ri ong

a

d

ek

Kepulauan Aru

Arafura Sea

Kepulauan Taninbar

A

Sorong

Palau PALAU

Jayapura New Guinea

O C EA N

PA C IFIC

2:47

Se

Re

May 23, 2008

ca

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M YA N M A R

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

c07 Char Count=

315

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The People Southeast Asia is one of the world’s great melting pots. Its diverse peoples moved into the region in search of a better life and greater security. The original inhabitants of Southeast Asia can be found in the highland regions of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Around 2500 B.C., the first major wave of migrating peoples entered the area. They were the Malays, or Indonesians, and it is their descendants who form the great majority of the populations of the Philippines and Indonesia today. The Malays formerly lived in what is now southern China, but pressure from the Chinese population in the north forced other peoples southward. These people in turn pressed upon the Malays, who moved through the mountain passes into mainland Southeast Asia, down the Malay Peninsula, and out into the Indonesian and Philippine islands. Skilled sailors, the Malays expanded eastward through these islands. Others followed, principally the Cambodians, the Vietnamese, the Myanmar (Burmese), and the Thai moving south out of China, to settle in mainland Southeast Asia. The Thai were the last of the major groups to settle in here, establishing their first important kingdom during the 1200s. These various groups brought with them their own customs, cultures, and living patterns, but they were to be strongly influenced by still other people. Traders from India brought Indian philosophies to Southeast Asia, especially the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia are today Buddhist countries as a result. Later, Muslim traders brought Islam to Malaysia and Indonesia, which are now predominantly Muslim. The culture and religion of Vietnam were influenced by China. This process of infusion of both people and ideas has continued into modern times. The European powers began their colonization of the region (except for Thailand, which was never colonized) during the 1500s, bringing with them Western ideas of government, culture, and religion. The Philippines, colonized by Spain, became largely Roman Catholic. During the late 1700s and early 1800s large numbers of Chinese and Indians came to Southeast Asia to take advantage of the economic opportunities during the height of the European colonial period. More than three-quarters of the Southeast Asia population is agriculture-based. Much fish is consumed in this region, reflecting the long coastlines and river environments of Southeast Asia. The staple food throughout the region is rice, which has been cultivated for thousands of years. In Asia, there are different styles of eating food. In India and the Middle East, as well as Southeast Asia, people typically eat food with their hands. It is a very direct way to experience the texture of the food, and people wash their hands before and after each meal. Normally, only the right hand is used, so that one knows to keep it especially clean. Generally, the foods

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to be eaten are placed on plates in the center of the mat or table, and people take food in small portions as they eat. The exception to this pattern is Vietnam, where the influence of China was much stronger than anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Here, chopsticks are the utensil of choice, and food is served onto individual plates or into individual bowls. Today, the influence of Western cultures is found not only in the use of tables and chairs in many modern Southeast Asian households, but also in the use of spoons and forks. Knives are not necessary, since meat and vegetables are chopped into smaller portions before cooking or serving. A large spoon is held in the right hand, while the left hand is used to scoop food into the spoon.

The Food Due to the close proximity of the borders between countries in Southeast Asia, and to combined influences from India and China that have affected indigenous taste and cooking styles, the ingredients are similar throughout most of the region, while they are individualized by each culture to suit their palate and taste. Indian cooking has influenced much of Southeast Asia. However, Indian cooking traditions vary throughout the region and according to ethnic and religious preference. Muslims do not eat pork, and the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar) is a time of fasting for Muslims all over the world, during which time they may neither eat nor drink during the daylight hours. Hindus, in contrast, believe that cows are sacred and the eating of beef is forbidden. Others from the south of India are vegetarians. Buddhists, too, are expected not to eat meat, as the killing of any animal is against Buddhist beliefs. However, many Buddhists do eat meat as well as fish, and this belief tends to be most closely observed by monks or ascetics rather than by ordinary people today. Curries originated in India, with the milk and butter from cows being included in the recipes. In Southeast Asia, coconut milk is substituted for cow’s milk, which gives a very different taste to the curries. Noodles are popular throughout Southeast Asia, and reflect Chinese as well as Indian influence in the spices and methods of preparation. Europeans have had their culinary influence in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, for example, Spanish influence is clearly present not only in the languages of the country but in their love of such dishes as pan de sal (a type of bread), kilawin (marinated raw seafood with chile), paella (a seafood, meat, and rice stir fry dish), empanadas (turnovers), and a variety of other seasoned meat dishes. Conventional dishes in the Philippines reflect more influence from a blend of Chinese, Spanish, and indigenous Southeast Asian traditions than is found anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Popular meals in Southeast Asia consist of rice, fish, vegetables, fruits, and spices. Curry, satay (spiced or marinated meat on a stick that is barbecued), sour fish soup, noodles, and

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soy products are popular. Common flavorings include ginger, pepper, chile peppers, onions, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, fermented fish paste, turmeric, candlenut, lemongrass, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, as well as tamarind and lime (for a sour taste). Coconut milk is often used to bind sharp flavors, while palm sugar is used to balance the spices. Unique combinations of sweet and sour, hot and sour, or hot and sweet are common in various regions. Fish paste and prawn paste is spicy-sour, and is popularly consumed with green mangoes, fresh fish, or in stews. Fish sauce is used in almost all Southeast Asian curries as well as in various forms of cooking fish and pork. Popular vegetables are sweet potatoes, maize, taro, tapioca, legumes, blossoms, and the leaves of many green plants. Popular fruits are pineapple, coconut, star fruit, jackfruit, papaya, bananas, rambutan, mangosteen, and the somewhat foul-smelling durian. Tea and coffee are abundant throughout the region, although the popular drink with a meal is water. The islands of Indonesia support the fourth most populous nation in the world, a population that is 90 percent Muslim, with hundreds of tribes, subcultures, and languages. Satay—pieces of grilled meat, poultry, or seafood served with spicy peanut sauce—is Indonesia’s best-known dish. One of the region’s most unique foods is the vegetarian tempeh or tempe. This is made from soybeans and was originally produced to be a food similar to China’s tofu. Gado-gado, a dish of mixed vegetables and salad with both tofu and tempeh, topped with a spicy peanut sauce, is one of the typical ways in which it is used. Sambal, a spicy sauce made from chiles, shrimp paste, and tomatoes, is available everywhere and is eaten with main dishes and snacks. In Bali the cuisine and culture are distinctively different due to the predominance of the Hindu religion on the island. Babi guling, a dish of spit-roast suckling pig stuffed with herbs, is one of the most distinctive Balinese dishes, and often accompanied by the local version of black pudding. Along with rice, proximity to the Pacific Islands means other sources of starch; sago, cassava, and taro are popular staples. There is a large variety of fresh fish to choose from, including eels, squid, barracuda, crab, and shrimp. Cambodian and Laotian dishes rely on the original ingredients for the core of the flavoring. The most frequent methods of cooking are steaming, grilling over a charcoal fire, or a quick stir-fry in a wok. One of the most popular flavorings is tik marij, a mixture of ground black pepper, salt, and lime juice. A main course in the Cambodian diet is simply cooked meat or fish with tik marij. Banana leaves are used for wrapping food during grilling or steaming. The leaves retain liquid while adding some flavor to a dish. A favorite Cambodian dessert consists of grilling sticky rice balls with coconut and jackfruit inside a banana leaf. A combination of different Asian culinary tastes, Lao cuisine combines a love of sticky rice, raw greens, and spicy dipping sauce. Their national dish, larb, is a mixture of marinated meat or fish, sometimes served raw, and offered with a combination of vegetables, herbs, and spices. Another popular dish is tam mak houng, green papaya salad. Except for crisp green vegetables, Lao foods favor sour over sweet. Galangal, lemongrass, shallots, and garlic are also herbs and vegetables seen as a necessity.

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Malaysia has been influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Arabic roots. A majority of Malays are Muslims who consume rice, but not pork or alcohol. However, similar to its Thai neighbors in the north, Malay cooking extensively uses chile peppers and thick coconut milk. East Asian spices contribute flavor to many of the sauces. Malaysian dishes are typically seasoned with curry, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, tamarind, lemongrass, or coconut milk. For almost four hundred years, the Spanish had control in the Philippines, leaving a lasting effect that is apparent in Filipino cooking today. Many dishes have Spanish names, regardless of a Spanish connection. A basic technique to start off many Filipino dishes was ´ introduced by the Spaniards: sauteing tomatoes, garlic, and onions in olive oil. The Spaniards also introduced sausages and dishes using meat and dairy. Beef was initially brought to the Philippines by Spanish ships, so many beef entrees are of Spanish origin. In the Philippines, four meals a day are served: breakfast, lunch, merienda (snack), and dinner. Pancit, or noodles, is considered a merienda dish and is served with a sponge cake called puto and a glutinous rice cake called cuchinta. Lunch is the heaviest meal and consists of rice, a vegetable, a meat, and sometimes fish as well. Vegetables include kangkung (a local spinach), broccoli, Chinese broccoli, bitter melon, mung bean, bean sprouts, eggplant, and okra. Beef, pork, and chicken are eaten often, and water buffalo are eaten in the provinces. Other important foods include rice, corn, coconuts, sugarcane, bananas, coffee, mangoes, and pineapples. In Singapore, cooking—known as Straits Chinese, Baba, or Peranakan cuisine, or Nonya cooking—is a mixture of Chinese and Malay traditions. Described as a fusion of Chinese techniques and tropical produce, Nonya cooking tends to be spicier and tangier than Chinese food but, unlike indigenous Malay cuisines, features the use of pork and noodles. The result is highly refined but also boldly flavored. Laksa, the rich coconut soup-noodle dish, is one of the best-known Nonya dishes. Otak otak is mashed fish with coconut milk and chile, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over coals. Singapore is particularly famous for its crab dishes. Chile crab features pieces of shellfish smothered in tangy chile and tomato sauce, while black pepper crabs are seasoned in a thick black pepper and soy sauce. The European influence can be seen in curry puffs (pastry parcels filled with curried potato and chicken or lamb), which are similar to England’s pasties, and kaya, which is a sweet preserve most likely based on Europe’s imported jams, but made of coconut and egg. It is usually served with bread. Thailand can be broken into four regions. The influences of neighboring Laos are reflected strongly in the northeastern region food, with glutinous rice being the staple food, eaten both as a base for a meal and also as a dessert, steamed with coconut milk and black beans. Herbs such as dill are widely used, and a popular regional dish is Khanom Buang, a thin crispy egg omelette stuffed with shrimp and bean sprouts. Northeastern food is highly spiced, with regional specialties like lap, spicy minced meat or chicken, or the famous som tam (papaya salad) and kai yang (barbecued chicken). Freshwater fish and shrimp are the main sources of protein in northeastern dishes, as meat is a scarce commodity. The central plains area is considered to be the cultural and economic heart of Thailand due to the fertility of the land. A vast number of paddy fields have traditionally provided the

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country with its principal source of food, hence the Thai expression kin khao (“to eat”), which literally translates as “to eat rice.” Unlike the north and northeast, the central plains use plain rice, traditionally steamed, but sometimes boiled or fried. The central region provided much of what is known as traditional Thai cuisine: rice, fish, and vegetables flavored with garlic, fish sauce, and black pepper, along with an abundance of fresh fruits. When Ayutthaya became the capital of Thailand, the increase in the use of chiles occurred, along with coriander, lime, and tomato. As well as freshwater fish from the river, the central plains have access to the nearby Gulf and so the cuisine features much seafood. A wide range of vegetables grows in the fertile soils, along with fruit such as mango, durian, custard apple, pomelos, and guavas. The north of Thailand is a region of wild, densely forested mountains and temple filled towns. Rice tends to be of the glutinous variety, eaten after being kneaded into small balls with the fingers and using it to scoop up more liquid dishes. Northern curries are generally milder than elsewhere in Thailand, with the influence of neighboring countries such as Myanmar evident in dishes such as kaeng hang le, a pork curry with ginger, tamarind, and turmeric, and khao soi, a curry broth with egg noodles. Another northern specialty is a spicy pork sausage, called name. The south of Thailand has vast plantations of pineapple, coconut, and rubber, and due to the large Muslim influence along the Malaysian border, a distinctive culture. Southern food is characterized by local produce. Coconut has a prominent role in most dishes—its milk to cool the chiles in curries and soups, its flesh when grated to serve as a condiment, or its oil for frying. Fresh seafood is featured prominently. The cashew nuts from local plantations are used as starters or stirfried—particularly with chicken and chiles—and an exotic, bitter flavor is provided by the pungent flat bean called sato. A variety of cultural influences can be seen in southern Thai cuisine; several Malaysian dishes such as fish curries are found. Kaeng massaman is a mild Indian-style curry with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon; satay—originally an Indonesian dish—is widely eaten with a spicy peanut sauce. Probably most famous is the influence of the large Chinese community, who hold a ten-day vegetarian festival in Phuket every October. Vietnamese cuisine can be divided into three regional varieties. In the cool, mountainous north, in the city of Hanoi, a history of Chinese rule is evident in Cantonese-style stir-fries and simple, brothy soups. The flat, arid central region serves up heartier, more refined dishes. In the hot, steamy south, including the city of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), tropical abundance is the rule: seafood, pork, and numerous fruits and vegetables are found in bold and spicy dishes, including curries influenced from nearby India. And throughout the country, ˆ e, ´ hot peppers, and pickled vegetables) banh mi (a kind of Vietnamese po’boy with meat, pat and strong, sweet coffee serve as reminders of Vietnam’s French colonial past. The presence of fresh herbs is one of the most distinctive elements in Vietnamese cooking. Collectively called rau thom, Vietnamese herbs include mint; purplish Thai basil (also called holy or Asian basil); aniselike red perilla (also known as shiso); lemony green perilla; floral, cilantro-like saw leaf herb; and spicy, sharp Vietnamese coriander. A table salad known as rau song includes a plateful of herbs, along with lettuces, cucumbers, mung bean sprouts, and

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sometimes pickled vegetables; it is served at every meal. It is also tucked inside leaves of lettuce and wrapped around grilled meats and fried spring rolls, lending a clean, crisp dimension to foods that might otherwise taste heavy in Vietnam’s hot climate. Vietnamese food does not include large amounts of meat and fish; instead, rice is supplemented with vegetables and eggs. Similar to Chinese cooking, Vietnamese cooking uses little fat or oil for frying. Instead of using soy sauce for seasoning, nuoc mam (fish sauce) is used as the main flavoring in almost every dish. Pho is a type of soup in which noodles, beef, chicken, or pork are added, and the soup is then garnished with basil, bean sprouts, and other seasonings. Vietnamese spring rolls are an alternative to Chinese egg rolls. These wraps are characterized by their rice paper packaging. Bahn trang are paper-thin, white crepes that have a criss-cross pattern from the trays on which they are dried. Rice flour is a crucial item in a ´ ` Vietnamese kitchen. The flour is the main element of a Vietnamese pancake/crepe, banh Xeo. These pancakes are stuffed with minced pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. They are garnished with mint and served with a spicy, sweet dipping sauce. Fruits are an integral part of each meal—bananas, mangoes, papayas, oranges, coconuts, and pineapple are all popular. Vietnamese coffee is made with condensed milk to make the drink sweet. Hot green tea is very popular as well.

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Glossary Bac ha Eaten as a vegetable, the long, strong, bright green stem of the giant taro plant looks

like a smooth stalk of celery but does not have thick fibers. It is frequently used in Vietnamese sour soup. Banh Pho Short, flat, white Vietnamese rice stick noodle about

1 8

inch wide. They cook in minutes in boiling water or soup and should not be overdone. They are used in soup noodle dishes, particularly the Hanoi soup that goes by the common name of pho.

Banh Trang The Vietnamese equivalent of ravioli skins. It is round, semitransparent, thin, hard, and dry rice paper and is used as the wrapping on Vietnamese spring rolls and broiled meats, along with salad and herbs. It is made from a dough of finely ground rice, water, and salt, with tapioca (cassava) flour as a binding agent. The dough is passed through rollers and then cut into circles 7 to 14 inches in diameter. These are then put on bamboo mats to dry in the sun. Once dry, they will keep indefinitely. To use, they must be moistened by covering with a damp cloth until soft or by dipping quickly into warm water. To get a crisp, golden-brown color, the wrappers can be brushed lightly with a sugar-water solution before frying. Basil, Asian Basil, Thai Basil This medium to dark green basil with purple flowers has a sharp anise taste that handles heat better than sweet basil. It has little taste or aroma when raw; the strong flavor emerges when it is cooked. Bean Curd Made from dried soybeans soaked, pureed, and boiled with water. The resulting

milky liquid is strained and then mixed with a coagulant or natural solidifier, which causes curds to form. These are then taken to wooden tubs lined with cloth and pressed until they form bean curd. Bean Sprouts The tender young sprouts of the germinating mung bean are used in Asia as a

vegetable and fried in cooked dishes. They are also often used raw in salads. Black Vinegar A dark, mild, almost sweet vinegar that has only one equivalent: balsamic

vinegar. It is usually made from glutinous rice or sorghum, which gives it its distinctive taste. Cabbage There are many varieties of cabbages; the white or pale green cabbages are popular

in South East Asia. Candlenut A round, cream-colored nut with an oily consistency used to add texture and a

faint flavor to many dishes. Substitute macadamia nuts or raw cashews.

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Chiles (Cabai Cabe, or Lombok) There are several types of chile pepper used in Indonesia. The

amount of heat of a chile pepper increases as the size of the chile pepper decreases. Green chiles are the unripe fruit, with a flavor different from red chiles. Fresh, finger-length red chiles are the most commonly used types in Southeast Asia. Dried chiles are also used in some dishes; they should be torn into pieces and soaked in hot water to soften before grinding or blending. Hottest of all chiles are the tiny fiery bird’s-eye chiles (cabe or rawit). To reduce the heat of the dish while retaining the flavor, remove some or all the chile’s seeds. Chile Sauce Usually a fairly thick, hot sauce. Chile sauce is prepared from pulped peppers, flavored with garlic and vinegar, and thickened with cornstarch. Chinese Five-spice Powder A blend of spices consisting of anise-pepper, star anise, cassia,

cloves, and fennel seed. A licorice flavor predominates. Chinese Mushroom Also called shiitake mushroom, these are the most widely used mushrooms in east Asian cooking and are grown in China and Japan on the wood of dead deciduous trees. Dried mushrooms should be soaked in warm water for 20 minutes before cooking. Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream These are two of the most important ingredients in this

region’s cooking and are used in both curries and desserts, as well as beverages. Coconut milk is the liquid squeezed from the grated flesh of mature coconut after the flesh has been soaked in lukewarm water. Coconut cream is a richer version. Coconut milk uses 3 cups of grated coconut to 5 cups of water, whereas coconut cream uses just 2 cups of water. Both must be soaked for 15 minutes, mixed, and then poured through muslin lined strainer; all of the liquid must be squeezed out of the muslin. Cup Leaves (Daun Mangkok) The shape of the leaf is like a cup. Also known as tapak leman

(Nothopanax scutellarium), it is usually used to cook stew dishes. A good substitute is curly kale. Curry Paste Red curry paste is the most common of all the curry pastes. It is a mixture of dried chile pepper, shallot, garlic, galangal, lemongrass, cilantro root, peppercorn, coriander, salt, shrimp paste, and kaffir lime zest. Green curry paste has the same ingredients as the red, except that fresh green pepper is substituted for the dried chile pepper. Yellow curry paste comes from southern Thailand and is similar to red or green curry, but it is made with yellow peppers and turmeric. Fermented Black Beans Oxidized soybeans that are salt-dried, with a savory, salty, and slightly bitter flavor. They are used in stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. Before using, they should be soaked in water for 10 to 30 minutes to get rid of excess salt. When purchasing fermented black beans, look for shiny and firm beans, rather than dull and dry ones with salt spots. Once open, store in plastic in the refrigerator for up to one year.

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Noodles While noodles are known by an assortment of names, they are made from just four basic four groups: wheat, rice, mung bean, and buckwheat. Noodles also come in a variety of shapes and width, but are customarily served long and uncut. The noodle’s length symbolized longevity in the Asian culture; according to this belief, the longer the noodle, the longer the life.

r Egg noodles, udon, kishimen, hiyanmugi, somen, and ramen noodles are all made from wheat flour. These noodles are similar to American noodles. Their sizes range from fine to coarse and they can be pale yellow in color, the result of an egg and wheat mixture, or white if made without eggs. Egg noodles are commonly used in chow mein, which translates to “fried noodles.” Udon noodles are thick wheat noodles eaten in Japan. Usually round in shape and white in color, they are used in soups like kake udon, a hot broth topped with thin slices of green onions, and in dishes such as yakiudon, which is udon stir-fried in soy-based sauce. Japanese somen noodles are fine white noodles made from wheat flour, water, and a small bit of oil. Like soba noodles, they’re often served cold with a dipping sauce. Ramen are curly, long, brick-shaped noodles often purchased as instant noodles. In the Philippines, Filipino noodles, or pancit, is made from wheat flour and coconut oil and is often used in soups and salads. Indonesians use noodles made from wheat flour and eggs in a local fried noodle dish called bami goring.

r Rice vermicelli, rice sticks, and bun noodles are made from rice flour. The noodles are named for their shape and thickness, which can range in diameter from 1 cm to almost threadlike. Rice vermicelli is fine, while rice sticks are thicker and can be round or flat. Rice noodles are opaque and the texture resembles that of rice.

r Cellophane noodles are made from mung beans. Also called glass noodles, bean threads, bean noodles, or cellophane vermicelli, these noodles are aptly named because of their transparent appearance when cooked. Cellophane noodles are long, slippery, and soft, and because they are flavorless on their own, will readily absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are prepared with. They do not need to be cooked, but merely heated and softened in warm water for best results.

r Buckwheat, or soba, noodles are made from buckwheat flour. These thin noodles are slightly brown in color. They are often served chilled with a dipping sauce or as a noodle soup.

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Fermented Soya Beans (Tao Jiaw) These are available whole and fermented from either yellow

or black beans; in English they are most commonly known as black bean and yellow bean sauce. They are nutritious, strongly flavored, and salty, replacing salt completely in some Thai dishes. Fish Sauce Fish sauce, called nam pla in Thai (the salt of Thai cuisine) or nuoc mam in Viet-

namese, is used much like salt or soy sauce as a flavor enhancer. Made from the liquid drained from fermented anchovies, it is very is potent. It is usually combined with other ingredients when used as a dipping sauce. For cooking it can be used straight, but never add it to a dry pan or the smell will be overpowering. Like olive oil, there are several grades of fish sauce. Highquality fish sauce, which is the first to be drained off the fermented fish, is usually pale amber, like clear brewed tea, and used in dipping sauces. For cooking usually stronger-flavored, lower-grade brands, which are made from a secondary draining, are used. Galangal A member of the ginger family, galangal is used in many countries as a substitute for

ginger. It has a hot, peppery taste and is used mainly as flavoring and as a pungent ingredient in ground curry pastes. Galangal can be found in fresh root, frozen, dry, and powdered form in most Asian grocery stores. If using dried slices of galangal, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes. Substitute the fresh galangal with half the amount of dry galangal in the recipe. Ground Coriander One of the essential ingredients in curry powders. The whole spice is ground when needed. To get the best out of the coriander seed, it is advisable to toast first in an oven and then finely grind it. Hoisin Sauce The barbecue sauce of Vietnam. Made from red rice colored with a natural food

dye, usually from annatto seeds, it is a sweet-tasting, thick, reddish brown sauce best used as a condiment for roast pork and poultry. Holy Basil, or Sacred Basil (Bai Gkaprow) Often called hot basil because of its peppery taste,

especially when very fresh, with a hint of mint and cloves. Since its exotic flavor becomes fully released with cooking, it is not eaten raw, but added in generous amounts to stir-fried dishes and some spicy soups. Holy basil is so called because it is a sacred herb in India where it is frequently planted around Hindu shrines. Kaffir Lime leaves, Makrut, Thai Lime Leaves One of the signature flavors in Thai cooking,

lemony and floral. If not available, substitute regular lime leaves and fruit. Kaffir limes, however, are used for their rind, since they are very dry inside. The zest is highly aromatic. Kaffir lime leaves may be frozen or dried for future use, or even kept green by standing leafy twigs in water on a sunny windowsill. Kangkon Green, smooth-leafed vegetable native to the Philippines. It has a flavor that is milder

than spinach and a texture similar to watercress.

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Rice Deriving originally from wild grasses, rice is a staple food in Asia. Historians believe that it was first domesticated in the area covering the foothills of the eastern Himalayas (northeastern India), and stretching through Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China. From here, it spread in all directions and human cultivation created numerous varieties. Different types of rice cross-breed easily. According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the Philippines, there are 120,000 varieties of rice worldwide. Over the centuries, three main types of rice developed in Asia, depending on the amylose content of the grain. They are indica (high in amylose and cooking to fluffy grains to be eaten with the fingers), japonica (low in amylase and cooking to sticky masses suitable for eating as clumps with chopsticks), and javanica (intermediate amylose content and stickiness). Rice is further divided into long-, medium-, and short-grained varieties, and in the subcontinent different populations grow and consume different varieties. Rice grains are grown in a variety of colors and textures. Brown rice grains, unlike white, still have an outer coating of bran. This bran carries twice as much fiber and increased levels of vitamin E and magnesium as enriched white rice does. Usually produced as long or medium grains, brown rice takes more time to cook, tastes chewier, and retains a mild, nutty bran flavor. Black sticky rice, often called forbidden rice, is a nutty, medium-grain rice. When cooked, the brown-black rice turns a shade of purple-black. It may also be labeled “black

Kare-Kare Philippine meat-vegetable stew with oxtail, beef, or tripe; eggplant, banana buds, and other vegetables cooked in peanut sauce and ground toasted rice. Lemongrass An essential ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, it is a long, thin, pale green

edible grass with bright lemon fragrance and taste. To use a lemongrass stalk, cut off the grassy top and root end. Peel and remove the large, tough outer leaves of the stalk until you reach a light purple color. Chop it very fine to use in salads and grind into curry pastes if eating them directly. Or cut into 2-inch portions and bruise them to extract the flavor before boiling with soup broth. Lemongrass can be found fresh in most grocery stores because it has a very long shelf life. Dry and frozen forms are also available in most Asian stores. Lumpia Philippine egg rolls. Nuoc Mam A fish sauce that is a powerfully flavored, pungent seasoning sauce, used extensively

in Southeast Asia. It is made by layering fish and salt into large barrels and allowing the fish to ferment for three or more months before the accumulated liquid is siphoned off, filtered, and

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glutinous rice” or “black sweet rice.” Cultivated in Indonesia and the Philippines, stickier varieties of black rice are often used for sweets such as rice pudding in countries throughout Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Thailand originated the planting of the aromatic jasmine rice. This fragrant long-grain rice has a soft texture due to a special water-milling process. When cooked, this rice comes out moist and tender like medium grains. Available in brown and white, jasmine rice is a staple of Thai cooking. In medium-grain rice, the length of the grain is less than twice its width. High in starch, the cooked grains come out moist and tender with a bit of stickiness. Medium grains are harvested in Italy and Spain; they tend to grow in regions farther from the equator. This rice, known as arborio, is found in European dishes such as risotto and paella. Short-grain rice also has a length that is less than twice its width. When cooked, the grains are softer and stickier than medium grain. In Japan, sushi is only as good as the short-grain sticky rice that is used. Sticky rice has numerous uses. While it is also used for desserts, it is an integral part of every meal in the regions of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In addition, sticky rice is a primary source for brewing rice-based alcohol like sake. Another type of rice essential to this region is glutinous rice. Although it does not contain any gluten, this short-grain, starchy rice becomes quite sticky and dense when cooked. This rice is labeled as sticky, waxy, and sweet. Generally used for desserts, glutinous rice is used for making little cakes in Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

bottled. In Vietnam nuoc mam is made into different dipping sauces by adding chiles, ground roasted peanuts, sugar, and other ingredients. Oyster Sauce One of the most popular bottled sauces in Vietnam. Made from dried oysters,

it is thick and richly flavored. The cheaper brands tend to be saltier. The original sauce was much thinner and contained fragments of fermented, dried oysters. It is mostly used in stir-fried dishes. Palm Sugar An unrefined sweetener similar in flavor to brown sugar. Used in sweet and

savory Asian dishes. Commonly available in podlike cakes, it is also sold in paste form at Asian markets. Store as you would other sugar. Paprika Derived from bell peppers. In Vietnam it is used as a vegetable and as a spice. In its latter guise, it is dried and ground to a powder. Pomelo A large fruit that resembles a grapefruit. It tapers slightly at the stem end and has a thick, sweet, slightly rough-textured skin, and a dry, semi-sweet flesh.

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Sambal A spicy condiment used especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, made with chile peppers and other ingredients, such as sugar or coconut. Satay or Sate´ or Sateh Pieces of meat or fish threaded onto skewers and grilled. Meat satay is

typically served with a spicy peanut sauce. Shallots Like the French, Vietnamese cooks use shallots rather than onions as a major fla-

voring ingredient, prizing their sweeter, more aromatic quality. Shallots, along with garlic and lemongrass, are among the few seasonings that are typically cooked, rather than added to dishes raw. Fried shallots, along with crushed, roasted peanuts, also appear on the Vietnamese table as a garnish for noodle dishes and soups. Shrimp Paste Shrimp paste adds depth to noodle dishes, soups, and curries. It comes in bottled

form and is available at most Asian grocery stores. As it is salty and highly concentrated, it is used sparingly. Sinigang Sour soup dish of meat or fish with vegetables, seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice. Soy Sauce Made from fermented soybeans mixed with a roasted grain, normally wheat. It is infected with a yeast mold and after fermentation begins, salt is added. Yeast is added for further fermentation and the liquid is left in vats for several months and then filtered. Star Anise The seedpods of one type of magnolia tree. The tan eight-pointed pods resemble

stars, hence the name. When dried, a shiny, flat, light brown seed is revealed in each point. Straw Mushrooms Grown on paddy straw, left over from harvested wheat, which gives them a

distinctly earthy taste. Generally, they are packed in water and canned. Sugarcane The sugarcane bought for cooking consists of the stem, the leaves being chopped off in the cane fields. The cane should be very carefully peeled with a strong, sharp knife. Reasonably easy to obtain from large grocers. Szechwan Peppercorns Aromatic, small, red-brown seeds from the prickly ash tree known as

fagara. The whole peppercorns can be kept for years without loss of flavor if stored in a tightly sealed jar. Tamarind The dark brown pod of the tamarind tree contains a sour fleshy pulp, which adds a

fruity sourness to many dishes. Packets of pulp usually contain the seeds and fibers. To make tamarind juice, measure the pulp and soak it in hot water for 5 minutes before squeezing it to extract the juice, discarding the seeds, fiber, and any skin. Tausi Black soybeans, salted and fermented.

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G L O S S A RY

Turmeric A native of Southeast Asia, it belongs to the same family as ginger and galangal. It

has a bright orange yellow flesh with a strong, earthy smell and a slightly bitter taste. The flesh is responsible for the yellow color we associate with curry powder and it overpowers all other spices. Wood Ear Fungus Perhaps the most common is derived from its habitat of decayed wood. It is

valued for its subtle, delicate flavor and slightly crunchy “bite.” Yellow Bean Sauce Made according to the ancient recipe for jiang, or pickled yellow soybeans

in a salty liquid. It is normally bought in cans and jars but it is best transferred to a jar in which it can be stored in a refrigerator almost indefinitely.

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Menus and Recipes from Southeast Asia M E N U

O N E

( I N D O N E S I A )

Krupuk Udang: Shrimp Chips Sambal Ulek: Chile Sauce Serundeng Kacang: Toasted Spiced Coconut with Peanuts Tahu Telur: Spicy Tofu Omelet Satay Babi: Pork Satay Satay Ayam: Chicken Satay Gado Gado: Cooked Vegetable Salad, Sumatran Style Laksa Lemak: Chicken, Shrimp, and Rice Noodles in Coconut Sauce Pepes Ikan: Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf ´ Tumis Terong: Sauteed Eggplant Lapis Daging: Stir-fried Beef M E N U

T W O

( T H A I L A N D )

Ma Hor: Galloping Horses Tord Man Pla: Fried Fish Cakes Tom Yam Goong: Hot and Spicy Shrimp Soup Mun Tot: Fried Sweet Potatoes Yam Makeua Issaan: Grilled Eggplant Salad Khao Tang: Crispy Rice Crackers Pad Thai: Thai Fried Noodles Kaeng Kiew Warn Kai: Green Curry with Chicken Khao Niew Mam Uang: Mangoes and Sticky Rice Cha Yen: Thai Iced Tea M E N U

T H R E E

( V I E T N A M )

Banh Hoi Thit Nuong: Shrimp Toast Cha Gio: Fried Spring Rolls Cha Bo: Grilled Beef Patties Goi Cuon: Fresh Spring Rolls Dia Rau Song: Vegetable Platter Pho Bo: Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup Dua Chua: Pickled Carrot and Daikon Salad Ga Xao Sa Ot: Lemongrass Chicken Bo Nuong: Grilled Beef Suon Rang: Glazed Spareribs

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RECIPES

Krupuk Udang

Shrimp Chips

SERVES 4

Uncooked shrimp chips come in many shapes and sizes. Most are Indonesian, pale-pink in color with a distinct shrimp flavor. When deep-fried in hot oil, they become light, crisp, and crunchy, and swell to more than twice their size within seconds. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

As needed

Oil for deep frying

12

Dried shrimp chips

PROCEDURE

1

Heat oil in a wok or deep-fat fryer to 360◦ F (182◦ C). Fry the chips, a few at a time, if the oil is hot enough; they will puff up within 2 to 3 seconds. Fry until lightly colored, approximately 15 seconds. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Sambal Ulek YIELD:

3 4

Chile Sauce

CUP (6 OUNCES, 180 ML)

This is served during most meals to allow each person to season soup, meat, and fish dishes. AMOUNT 1 2

MEASURE

teaspoon

INGREDIENT

Salt

10

Hot red chiles, thinly sliced

1 2

teaspoon

Shrimp paste (terasi)

1 2

teaspoon

Granulated sugar

3 4

cup

5 ounces, 140 ml

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1

Pound or process salt, chiles, shrimp paste, and sugar in a mortar or processor to form a coarse paste. Add tomatoes and crush slightly to blend flavors.

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Serundeng Kacang Toasted Spiced Coconut with Peanuts Y I E L D : 1 – 1 12 C U P S

Serve this sprinkled over practically any dish. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

5

Shallots, chopped

3

Garlic cloves, chopped

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

1 teaspoon

Coriander, ground

1 2

teaspoon

Cumin, ground

1 2

teaspoon

1 tablespoon

Galangal, ground 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Tamarind water

1 teaspoon

Brown sugar

1 2

Salt

teaspoon

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Coconut, freshly grated, or 12 cup dried coconut flakes soaked 5 minutes in 1 cup (8 ounces, 240 ml) water

1 2

2 12 ounces, 70 g

Unsalted peanuts, roasted

cup

PROCEDURE

1

Pound or process shallots and garlic to a smooth paste; heat oil and stir-fry paste over medium heat for approximately 2 minutes or until translucent. Do not brown.

2

Add coriander, cumin, galangal, tamarind water, brown sugar, and salt. Stir-fry 1 minute on low heat to blend flavors.

3

Add coconut (if using rehydrated, let simmer until all the water has been soaked up by the coconut before stirring). Cook over low heat, stirring until coconut is nearly dry and medium brown in color, about 20 to 30 minutes.

4

Add peanuts and toast 5 minutes, stirring constantly until coconut is golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn.

5

Remove from heat and let cool before serving.

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RECIPES

Tahu Telur Spicy Tofu Omelet

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Fresh bean sprouts

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Fresh tofu, drained,

4 1 2

Eggs, beaten with teaspoon

1 4

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

teaspoon salt

Salt

1 teaspoon

Vegetable oil

2

Green hot chiles, seeds removed, finely sliced

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) (recipe follows)

1 tablespoon

1 2

White vinegar

ounce, 15 ml

3 tablespoons

Fried peanuts, crushed

3 tablespoons

Fried shallot flakes (recipe follows)

1 tablespoon

Parsley leaves

PROCEDURE

1

Blanch bean sprouts in boiling water 30 seconds. Drain, refresh with cold water, and drain again.

2 3

Combine tofu, eggs, and salt.

4 5 6 7

Evenly spread bean sprouts and chiles over omelets.

Heat oil in a 10-inch omelet pan. Add half the egg mixture, tilting the pan to make a thin omelet. Cook over medium heat until set and lightly browned. Remove and keep warm. Repeat to make a second omelet. Combine kecap manis and vinegar; drizzle over omelets. Garnish with peanuts, fried shallot flakes, and parsley leaves. To serve, cut in wedges.

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

Kecap Manis

Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce

Y I E L D : 1 12 C U P S ( 1 2 O U N C E S , 3 6 0 M L )

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

8 ounces, 224 g

Dark brown sugar, packed

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Water

3 4

6 ounces, 180 ml

Soy sauce

3 21

Dark molasses

cup

7 tablespoons

ounces, 105 ml

1 2

teaspoon

Laos (galangal) ground

1 4

teaspoon

Coriander, ground

1 4

teaspoon

Black pepper, freshly ground

1

Star anise

PROCEDURE

1

Combine the sugar and water; simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook to 200◦ F (93◦ C) on a sugar thermometer, approximately 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add remaining ingredients, and simmer 5 minutes.

2

Remove from heat and let cool.

Fried Shallot Flakes AMOUNT

MEASURE

10 1 tablespoon

INGREDIENT

Shallots 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Vegetable oil

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Slice shallots very thin. Lightly oil a small skillet. Heat pan over medium heat and add shallots. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the pan so they brown slowly and evenly. When golden brown, remove from the oil and drain on paper towels until cool. They will crisp and turn darker brown as they stand.

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RECIPES

Satay Babi

Pork Satay

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Boneless, skinless pork tenderloin or loin

1 tablespoon

1 2

Butter

ounce, 15 ml

1

Garlic clove, crushed

2 teaspoons

Dark soy sauce

2 teaspoons

Fresh lemon juice

Marinade 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Soy sauce

2

Garlic clove, crushed

1 teaspoon

Ginger, ground

1 teaspoon 1 tablespoon 1 2

Five-spice powder 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Honey

teaspoon

White pepper

As needed

Sambal Kecap (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE 1 4

1

Slice pork across the grain into thin slices, cm) long.

2 3 4

Combine marinade ingredients and mix well. Add pork, mix well, and let stand 2 hours.

5 6

Grill 2 to 3 minutes or until just done.

inch (.6 cm) wide by 3 to 4 inches (7.2 to 9.6

Remove from marinade and thread onto skewers. Melt butter and add remaining ingredients. Before placing on the grill, brush with this mixture. Serve hot or warm with Sambal Kecap (Chile and Soy Sauce).

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

Sambal Kecap Chile and Soy Sauce

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 90 ml

Dark soy sauce

1 teaspoon

Chile powder

3 1 2

Serrano chiles, sliced very thin cup

2 tablespoons

2 ounces, 56 g

Onions, minced

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lime juice

2

Garlic cloves, minced.

PROCEDURE

1

Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and cook over a medium to low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Let cool.

Satay Ayam

Chicken Satay

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Chicken thigh meat, boneless, skinless

1 stalk

Lemongrass, finely minced

2

Garlic cloves, minced

1 2

teaspoon

Turmeric, ground

1 2

teaspoon

Fennel, ground

1 2

teaspoon

Cumin, ground

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

To taste

Vegetable oil Salt 12-inch bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour

PROCEDURE 1 4

1

Slice chicken across the grain into thin slices 9.6 cm) long.

2

Combine lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, fennel, cumin, and oil to a paste. Add chicken, mix well, and let stand 2 hours.

3 4 5

Remove from marinate and thread on to skewers. Season with salt before cooking.

inch (.6 cm) wide by 3 to 4 inches (7.2 to

Grill or broil, basting occasionally with oil. Serve hot or warm with peanut sauce and cucumber salad.

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RECIPES

Krupuk Udang – Shrimp Chips, Satay Babi (Pork) and Satay Ayam (Chicken)

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Gado Gado Cooked Vegetable Salad, Sumatran Style AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 ounces

112 g

Firm tofu

1 teaspoon

SERVES 4

Kecap manis (Sweet soy sauce)

3 tablespoons

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

Vegetable oil

1 2

cup

2 12

ounces, 70 g

Boiling potatoes, cooked,

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

1 2

cup

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slice

Carrots, 2 inch (4.8 cm) julienne

2 ounces, 56 g

Green beans, 2 inch (4.8 cm) julienne

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Cabbage, shredded, 2 inch (4.8 cm)

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Bean sprouts

1 2

3 ounces, 84 g

Cucumber, peeled, halved, seeded,

cup

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slice

Eggs, hard-boiled, sliced

Garnish As needed

Sambal kacang (peanut sauce)

1 4

Fried shallots flakes (see recipe on page 334)

cup

As needed

Shrimp chips

As needed

Soy sauce

PROCEDURE

1

Drain tofu. Rinse and cut into two pieces. Place on a plate. Top with another plate and put 1 to 2 pounds (448 to 896 g) on top (heavy canned goods work well as a weight). Let stand 30 minutes. Discard liquid. Pat tofu dry. Sprinkle with kecap manis.

2

Set wok over high heat. When hot, add the oil. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the tofu. Stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Cut the tofu into 12 inch (1.2 cm) pieces. Heat oil in wok to 350◦ F (176◦ C). Return tofu and fry until golden brown and puffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

3 4

Boil the potatoes; peel and cut into

5 6 7

Blanch bean sprouts in boiling water 30 seconds. Rinse under cold water; drain well.

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slices.

Blanch carrots, green beans, and cabbage separately for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and refresh with cold water; drain again. Arrange vegetables and tofu in separate sections on a platter, with the egg in the center. Serve with warm peanut sauce, spooning a little on the salad and the rest on the side.

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RECIPES

8 9

Sprinkle with fried shallot flakes. Serve at room temperature with shrimp chips and soy sauce.

Sambal Kacang (Bumbu Sate) Peanut Sauce YIELD: 1 CUP(8 OUNCES, 240 ML)

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 teaspoons

Coriander seed, toasted

1 teaspoon

Fennel seed, toasted

1 teaspoon

Cumin seed, toasted

6

Dry red chiles, seeded and soaked

1 2

teaspoon

Shrimp paste

5

Shallots, sliced thin

2

Garlic clove, sliced thin

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 2

cup

2 21

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

ounce, 15 ml ounces, 75 g

Vegetable oil Peanuts, roasted, roughly ground (crunchy peanut butter) Coconut milk

1 tablespoon

Tamarind paste, dissolved in 4 tablespoons (2 ounces, 60 ml) water

1 teaspoon

Palm sugar

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Grind the dry spices in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Pound or process the chiles, shrimp paste, shallots, and garlic into a paste. Over low heat, saute´ the paste lightly until fragrant in oil, 1 minute. Add the dry spices and cook 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the paste after adding the dry spices.

4

Add the peanuts, coconut milk, tamarind, and sugar. Simmer about 10 minutes, adding water if the sauce thickens too fast.

5

Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

Laksa Lemak

Chicken, Shrimp, and Rice Noodles in Coconut Sauce SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Paste 2

Garlic cloves, chopped

1 tablespoon

Ginger, grated

4

Dried red chiles, soaked in hot water until softened, minced

1 stalk

Lemongrass, sliced, bottom 6 inches only, or thinly peeled rind of 1 lemon

4

Shallots, peeled, chopped

3

Candlenuts or macadamia nuts, minced

2 teaspoons

Turmeric, ground

1 teaspoon

Coriander, ground

2 teaspoons

Dried shrimp, soaked in hot water until soft, about 10 minutes

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Shrimp, shelled, deveined

1 34

14 ounces, 420 ml

Chicken stock

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Chicken meat, cooked, skinless, boneless, 1 12 inch (3.6 cm) pieces

10 ounces

280 g

Dried rice noodles (rice vermicelli), soaked in hot water to soften, 15 minutes, drained

3 4

6 ounces, 180 ml

Coconut milk, thick

4 ounces, 112 g

Bean sprouts (optional)

cups

cup

1 cup Garnish 1 tablespoon 1 4

cup

1 4

cup

8

Cilantro, chopped Green or red hot chiles, sliced thin 1 ounce, 28 g

Green onions, chopped Lime wedges

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RECIPES

PROCEDURE

1

Pound or blend garlic, ginger, chiles, lemongrass, shallots, nuts, turmeric, and coriander to a fine paste.

2

Pound or blend dried shrimp separately until smooth; if necessary, add 1 to 2 tablespoons coconut milk.

3

Heat half the oil and add the dried shrimp paste; cook 1 minute. Add spice paste and cook 1 to 2 minutes.

4 5 6

Add remaining oil, heat, add raw shrimp, and stir-fry 1 minute.

7 8

Add bean sprouts and simmer 3 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Add chicken stock and chicken pieces; cook 5 minutes. Add drained rice noodles and coconut milk; bring to a boil slowly, stirring gently to prevent milk from curdling. Serve with separate bowls of chiles, green onions, and lime wedges.

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

Pepes Ikan Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf AMOUNT

MEASURE

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

6

Shallots, peeled and sliced

3

Garlic cloves, chopped fine

1 tablespoon

Ginger, grated

3

Red chiles fresh, seeded, sliced thin

1 4

cup

Holy basil (hot basil) leaves, shredded

1 2

cup

Green onion, green only, julienned on the bias

2

Whole trout, cleaned, boned, head and tail removed

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Light soy sauce

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Fresh lime juice

As needed

Banana leaf for wrapping

12 slices

Lemon, very thin

6

Cilantro sprigs

PROCEDURE

1

Pound or process shallots, garlic, ginger, chiles, basil, and green onion to a paste. Spread paste on the inside of the fish, sprinkle with soy sauce and lime juice, and marinate 30 minutes.

2

Cut the banana leaf in pieces to fit the width of the fish less the head and tail, and long enough to wrap the fish once. Pour boiling water over the banana leaf to soften and prevent splitting.

3

Place each fish in the middle of a leaf and wrap each fish in a leaf, making two packages. Place lemon slices and cilantro sprigs on top of fish. Wrap envelope style into a neat parcel, keeping seam side on top. Secure with a metal skewer, toothpick, or staples.

4

Grill over a very low grill until the leaf begins to brown; allow 10 minutes per inch thickness of fish.

5

Cut open the banana leaves. Serve fish in banana leaves with rice, and a sambal on the side.

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RECIPES

Tumis Terong Saut´eed Eggplant

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

2 cups

8 ounces, 240 g

Eggplant, 2 inch (4.8 cm) thick slices

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

3 tablespoons

1 12 ounces, 45 ml

Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) (optional)

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Onions, sliced thin

cup

1

INGREDIENT

Garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon

Shrimp paste

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2

Heat deep fryer to 375◦ F (190◦ C). Deep-fry eggplant for 30 seconds; remove and drain.

3

Add eggplant; pour in soy sauce, stir and cover pan. Simmer 10 minutes. If there is no juice from steaming the eggplant, add 14 cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) water.

4

Correct seasoning and serve hot.

Set a wok over high heat. When very hot, add the oil, onion, garlic, and shrimp paste. Stir-fry two minutes.

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

Lapis Daging Stir-Fried Beef AMOUNT 1 2

SERVES 4

MEASURE

teaspoon

INGREDIENT

Nutmeg

1

Egg, beaten

8 ounces

224 g

Flank steak, cut 14 inch (.6 cm) wide and 2 to 3 inches (4.8 to 7.2 cm) in length

1 tablespoon

1 2

Vegetable oil

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Onion, sliced thin

1 2

Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

cup

ounce, 15 ml

1

Garlic clove, sliced thin

1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

1

Cinnamon stick, 1 inch (2.4 cm) long

2

Whole cloves

To taste

Pepper

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded, chopped

As needed

Fried shallot flakes (see recipe on page 334)

As needed

Sambal tomat (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine nutmeg and egg. Coat the steak slices with the egg mixture.

3 4

Drain the egg from the meat and saute´ until medium.

5

Sprinkle with fried shallot flakes. Serve immediately with rice and sambal tomat.

Heat the oil over medium heat and saute´ the onion and garlic, 2 to 3 minutes or until soft. Combine sweet soy sauce, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and tomato. Add to the cooked steak. Mix well and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If necessary, add a little water.

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RECIPES

Sambal Tomat

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded, chopped

3

Shallots, minced

1

Red chile fresh, seeded, sliced

To taste 1 tablespoon

Salt 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon

Basil, shredded

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine tomato, shallots, and chile; season with salt and lime juice. Let stand 1 hour, add basil, and serve.

Naam Prik

Chile Sauce

YIELD:

CUP

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 30 ml

Palm sugar

7 tablespoons

3 12 ounces, 105 ml

Hot water

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fish sauce (nam pla)

100 ml

Water, hot

2 tablespoons

Fish sauce

1

Red chile, fresh, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

PROCEDURE

1 2

3 4

Dissolve the sugar in the hot water. Let cool. Combine remaining ingredients.

Fresh lime juice

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

Ma Hor

Galloping Horses

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Vegetable oil

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Pork, ground

1 tablespoon

1 2

Fish sauce (nam pla)

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

2 teaspoons

1 8 1 4

Garlic, minced

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon cup

Brown sugar Black pepper, freshly ground

1 12

ounces, 42 g

Peanuts, roasted, coarsely chopped

1

Butter lettuce, head, separated into leaves

2

Tangerines, peeled, pith and white fibers removed, cut horizontally into 13 inch (.8 cm) thick, or pineapple wedges

Garnish 1 4

cup

Mint leaves

1 4

cup

Cilantro leaves

2

Red chiles, fresh, seeded, cut into thin shreds

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Heat wok over medium heat. When hot, add oil. Add garlic, and stir-fry 30 seconds.

5 6

Garnish with mint and cilantro leaves.

Add pork, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir-fry until pork is cooked. Stir in peanuts; mix. Remove from heat and let cool. Place lettuce leaves on serving platter. Arrange tangerine slices on lettuce. Put a heaping teaspoon of the cooked meat on each slice. Serve chilled or room temperature with chiles on the side.

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RECIPES

Tord Man Pla

Fried Fish Cakes

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 4

12 ounces, 336 g

Catfish or any white-fleshed fish fillet

3 4

ounce, 22 ml

Fish sauce (nam pla)

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Red curry paste

pound

1 21

tablespoons

1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon

Galangal or ginger

1

Egg, lightly beaten

4

Kaffir lime leaves, stems removed, finely shredded

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Vegetable oil

PROCEDURE

1

Pound or process fish, fish sauce, curry paste, galangal, and egg to a smooth paste. Do not overprocess.

2

Add kaffir leaves and mix well. Moisten hands with water and shape mixture into small cakes, about 3 inches (7.2 cm) by 41 inch (.6 cm) thick.

3

Heat oil to 350◦ F (176◦ C). Fry cakes until both sides are light brown, pressing down on the cakes. Drain on paper towels.

Nam Prik Kaeng Ped

Red Curry Paste

Y I E L D : 3 TA B L E S P O O N S

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

14

Red chiles, dried, seeded soaked in water 10 minutes to soften

2 teaspoons

Galangal, chopped

1

Lemongrass stalk, bottom 6 inches (14.4 cm) only

1 teaspoon

Lime zest

2 tablespoons

Cilantro roots, chopped

1

Shallot, chopped

1 teaspoon

Shrimp paste

10

Peppercorns, black

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vegetable oil

PROCEDURE

1

Pound or process all ingredients in a mortar, blender, or processor to a smooth paste. Add a little more oil if necessary.

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Tom Yam Goong Hot and Spicy Shrimp Soup

YIELD: SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Shrimp, 30-count size

1 tablespoon

1 2

Vegetable oil

5 cups

40 ounces, 1.2 l

ounce, 15 ml

2

Chicken stock Lemongrass stalks

1 12

tablespoons

Cilantro stems, minced

2

Garlic cloves, minced

2

Green hot chiles, seeds removed, minced

4

Kaffir lime leaves, chopped

1 2

teaspoon

Lime zest

1 2

teaspoon

White pepper

15 ounce

420 g

Straw mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon

1 2

Fish sauce (nam pla)

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

ounce, 15 ml

Lime juice

2

Red chiles, seeds removed, julienned

2 tablespoons

Cilantro, leaves only, chopped

2 tablespoons

Green onion, sliced on the thin on the bias

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Peel, wash, and devein shrimp; reserve the shells. Cut shrimp in half lengthwise.

4

Pound or process the sliced lemongrass, cilantro stems, garlic, green chiles, Kaffir leaves, lime zest, and white pepper to a paste.

5

Add the paste to the stock and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook 20 minutes. Strain.

Heat the oil and saute´ the shrimp shells until they turn pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chicken stock. Cut off the top of the lemongrass; reserve the bottom 5 inches (12 cm). Bruise the lemongrass stalks with the side of a cleaver or knife. Add to stock. Slice the remaining bottom inches into paper-thin slices.

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6 7 8 9

Return stock to heat and bring back to a boil. Add shrimp and mushrooms; cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until shrimp are just cooked. Remove from heat; add fish sauce and lime juice, and correct seasoning. Serve hot, with red chiles, cilantro leaves, and green onions on the side.

Mun Tot Fried Sweet Potatoes

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 4

cup

5 41 ounces, 147 g

Rice Flour

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Unsweetened coconut, grated

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Granulated sugar

1 teaspoon

Red curry paste

6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 90 ml

Coconut cream, thick

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Sweet potatoes, peeled, 14 inch (.6 cm) pieces, rounds, bias cuts, or sticks

As needed

Peanut sauce (see recipe on page 339)

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Combine all ingredients except sweet potatoes and stir to a paste. Do not overmix. Heat deep fryer to 375◦ F (190◦ C). Dip sweet potato pieces into batter and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve with peanut sauce.

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Yam Makeua Issaan Grilled Eggplant Salad

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Eggplant

3

Shallots, unpeeled

5

Garlic cloves, unpeeled

2

Anaheim or banana chiles

2

Green onions, minced

1 2

cup

Cilantro leaves, chopped

1 4

cup

Mint leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons

1 12

Fish sauce (nam pla)

ounces, 45 ml

2 tablespoons

Sesame seeds, dry roasted

As needed

Crispy rice crackers (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Prick the eggplant all over with a small knife or fork. Grill or broil until well softened and browned, 10 to 15 minutes, or oven-roast. Remove from heat and cool.

2

Broil or roast shallots, garlic, and chiles until soft and covered with a few black spots. Remove from heat and cool. Peel and coarsely chop.

3 4

Pound or process shallots, garlic, and chiles to a coarse paste.

5 6

Stir in the green onions, cilantro, mint, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Remove skin from the eggplants and coarsely chop. Mash to a lumpy mixture; add chile paste and mix. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with Crispy Rice Crackers.

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RECIPES

Khao Tang Crispy Rice Crackers

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Cooked jasmine rice, warm or hot

As needed

Peanut or other oil

PROCEDURE

1 2

Preheat oven to 350◦ F (176◦ C). With a rice paddle or wooden spoon, spread the rice onto a lightly oiled baking sheet to make a layer about 12 inch (1.2 cm) thick. Press down to compact the rice so that it sticks together.

3

Place sheet pan into oven and turn down the temperature to 250◦ F (121◦ C). Let dry 3 to 4 hours; the bottom will be a light brown.

4

Heat 2 inches (4.8 cm) oil to 350◦ F (176◦ C) or use a deep fryer. To test the temperature, drop a small piece of dried rice cake into the oil. It should sink to the bottom and immediately float back to the surface without burning or crisping. Adjust the heat as necessary.

5

Break off rice cakes and fry in the hot oil. When the first side stops swelling, turn over and cook on the other side until well puffed and just starting to brown, 30 seconds. Remove and drain on a paper towels.

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Pad Thai Chef Tip

Thai Fried Noodles

SERVES 4

Noodles for Pad Thai should be soaked with warm, not boiling, water. Noodles should

be somewhat flexible and solid, not completely expanded and soft. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Tamarind water or white vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

4 teaspoons

20 ml

Fish sauce

1 2

teaspoon

Dried chile peppers

1 tablespoon

1 2

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Peanut oil

2 tablespoons

3 4

Peanuts

ounce, 15 ml

ounce, 20 g

Preserved turnips (optional)

1

Shallot, minced

3

Garlic cloves, minced

3 4

cup

5 ounces

4 ounces, 112 g

Extra-firm tofu, 1 inch (2.4 cm) julienned

140 g

Thai rice noodles, soaked in lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes, drained

1

Egg

1 2

pound

8 ounces, 224 g

Shrimp, peeled, washed, and deveined

1 2

pound

8 ounces, 224 g

Lean-cut pork, 14 inch (.6 cm) wide and 2 to 3 inches (4.8 to 7.2 cm) long

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Bean sprouts, washed and drained

1 cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions, 2 inch (4.8 cm) pieces

4

Lime wedges

PROCEDURE

1 2

Mix together tamarind, sugar, fish sauce, chile peppers, and preserved turnip, set aside.

3 4 5

Add shallot, garlic, and tofu; stir-fry until they start to brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

Heat wok over high heat; when hot, add oil. Fry the peanuts until toasted and remove from wok. Add drained noodles; they should be flexible but not expanded. Stir-fry to prevent sticking. Add tamarind mixture; stir. If the wok is not hot enough you will see a lot of juice; if so, turn up the heat.

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6

Move the ingredients to one side and crack the egg into the wok. Scramble until it is almost set. Fold the egg into the noodles.

7 8

Add shrimp and pork and stir-fry until cooked.

9

Serve sprinkled with peanuts, the remaining bean sprouts, and chives, and lime wedge on the side.

Add half the bean sprouts and chives. Stir and cook 30 seconds. The noodles should be soft and very tangled.

Pad Thai, Khao Tang − Crispy Rice Crackers

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Kaeng Kiew Warn Kai Green Curry with Chicken

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Coconut milk, thick

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green curry paste (recipe follows)

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Coconut milk

1

2 21 pound, 1.12 kg each

Whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

1

Japanese eggplant, 1 inch (2.4 cm) sections

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fish sauce (nam pla)

1 tablespoon

1 2

Brown sugar

1 2

ounce, 14 g

teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon 1 2

cup

Lime zest 1 ounce, 14 g

4 1 2

Sweet basil Kaffir lime leaves, shredded

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

As needed

Red bell pepper, julienned Jasmine rice

PROCEDURE

1

Over medium heat, bring the 12 cup (4 ounces, 120 ml) thick coconut milk to a boil, stirring until it thickens and has an oily surface.

2

Add the curry paste. Continue cooking and stirring until the oil has separated from the curry, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

3 4

Add the chicken and stir-fry until the chicken is firm, 3 to 5 minutes.

5 6

Add red bell pepper and cook 1 minute.

Add the 3 cups coconut milk; gradually stirring, return to a low boil. Reduce heat, add eggplant, fish sauce, brown sugar, salt, lime zest, half the basil leaves, and Kaffir lime; and simmer 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken and eggplant are tender. Garnish with remaining basil leaves and serve with jasmine rice.

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Kaeng Kiew Warn Kai – Green Curry with Chicken and Mun Tot – Fried Sweet Potato

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Green Curry Paste AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

Coriander seeds, dry roasted and ground

2 teaspoons

Cumin seeds, dry roasted and ground

1 teaspoon

Black peppercorns, ground

1 4

Cilantro stems, minced

cup

1 12

teaspoons

Salt

1 2

cup

Lemongrass, minced

1 4

cup

Garlic, chopped

1 4

cup

Shallots, chopped

1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon

Ginger, minced 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

1 tablespoon 1 2

cup

Fresh lime juice Lime zest

1 ounce, 28 g

1 tablespoon

Green bird chiles, stemmed and coarsely chopped Shrimp paste

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine coriander, cumin, and peppercorns.

3

Add the spice blend and mash and pound until well combined. Add chopped chiles and remaining salt, work until broken down and somewhat smooth. Set aside.

4

Place the shrimp paste on a piece of aluminum foil about 8 × 4 9. (19.2 × 6 cm) inches. Spread it out in a thin layer; fold to a flat package. Place in a pan over high heat and cook 3 minutes on the first side, pressing it down. Turn over and repeat. You should smell the hot shrimp paste. Remove and work into the curry while hot.

Pound or process to reduce ingredients to a paste. Place cilantro stems in a mortar with a pinch of salt and pound until well soft and breaking down. Add the lemongrass and work to mash. Add garlic and another pinch of salt and continue to work. Once the garlic is mashed, add the shallots, then the ginger and lime juice mash. Add the lime zest and another pinch of salt; work to a coarse paste.

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RECIPES

Khao Niew Mam Uang Mangoes and Sticky Rice

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

13 ounces, 364 g

Rice, glutinous (sticky or sweet rice), washed, soaked overnight (8 hours), and drained

1 2

4 ounces, 112 g

Granulated sugar

8 ounces, 240 ml

Coconut milk, thick

8 ounces, 230 ml

Coconut milk

cup

1 teaspoon 1 cup

Salt

Topping 1 cup 1 2

teaspoon

1 4

cup

2 cups

Salt 2 ounces, 56 g

Granulated sugar

12 ounces, 336 g

Mangoes, peeled, halved, stone removed, (1.2 cm) thick slices

1 2

inch

PROCEDURE

1

Place the rice on cheesecloth and steam over water 20 to 25 minutes or until the rice is soft.

2

Dissolve the 12 cup (4 ounces, 112 g) sugar, salt, and thick coconut milk together over medium heat. Bring to a slow boil and remove from heat immediately.

3 4

Add the rice to the hot milk; stir until completely mixed. Cover and let stand 30 minutes.

5

Bring the remaining coconut milk to a boil, add the salt and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Serve the sliced mangoes with sticky rice and coconut topping.

1 4

cup (4 ounces, 112 g)

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Cha Yen

Thai Iced Tea

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Thai tea

3 cups

24 ounces, 720 ml

Water

1 34

cups

14 ounces, 420 ml

Sweetened condensed milk

1 12

cups

12 ounces, 360 ml

Milk

cup

PROCEDURE

1 2

Place tea in a coffee filter in a drip cone set over a pot.

3 4

Add the condensed milk to the tea and allow the mixture to come to room temperature.

Bring water to a boil and pour over the tea. Allow tea to drip through. Repeat this procedure 5 times, until the tea is a deep reddish orange color and very strong. To serve, fill tall glasses with ice; fill half full with the tea/condensed milk mixture, then fill the other half with milk. Stir.

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RECIPES

Banh Hoi Thit Nuong Shrimp Toast

Y I E L D : 2 0 S H R I M P TOA S T S

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

8 ounces

224 g

Shrimp, peeled and deveined

4

Garlic cloves, chopped

6

Shallots, chopped

1 2

teaspoon

Ginger, grated

1 2

teaspoon

Salt

1 21

teaspoons

Granulated sugar

1 tablespoon

Cornstarch

To taste 1 tablespoon

Black pepper, freshly ground 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

1 1 cup

Vietnamese fish sauce (Nuoc mam) Baguette,

2 ounces, 56 g

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) thick slices

Fresh bread crumbs

As needed

Oil for frying

As needed

Nuoc cham (see recipe on page 369)

PROCEDURE

1

Pound or puree the shrimp, garlic, shallots, ginger, salt, sugar, cornstarch, and pepper. Process to a coarse paste. Add fish sauce and mix well.

2

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the shrimp paste on each slice of bread; round off the top. Dip the shrimp-coated side in the bread crumbs. Refrigerate.

3

Heat 12 inch (.6 cm) of oil to 360◦ F (182◦ C) or until bubbles form around a dry wooden chopstick when inserted in the oil. Working in batches, add the shrimp toast, shrimp side down. Fry 1 minute or until golden brown. Turn over, bread side down, and fry 1 minute. Drain on paper towels.

4

Serve hot with nuoc cham.

359

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Cha Gio

Fried Spring Rolls

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 ounce

28 g

Fine bean threads, soaked/cooked, drained, and cooled

2 tablespoons

1 4

cup

Cloud ears or shiitake, dried, soaked in warm water 20 minutes to soften, drained, chopped into 2 inch (4.8 cm) strips 1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Water chestnuts (or jicama),

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Chicken breast, raw, skinned, boned, minced

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Crabmeat, picked over and flaked

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Shrimp, raw, peeled, deveined, minced

2

Garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons 1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Shallots, minced 1 ounce, 28 g

Red onions, minced

1 tablespoon

1 2

Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

1 2

cup

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon

Granulated sugar Black pepper, freshly ground

4 cups

32 ounces, 960 ml

Water, warm (110◦ F, 43◦ C)

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 56 g

Granulated sugar

14

Rice paper, 6 21 inches (15.6 cm) (banh trang)

2

Egg whites, beaten

As needed

Oil for frying

Garnish As needed

Dia rau song (vegetable platter; see recipe on page 363)

PROCEDURE

1

Combine bean threads, cloud ears, water chestnuts, chicken, crab, shrimp, garlic, shallots, onions, fish sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, and pepper; mix well.

2 3

Combine warm water with 4 tablespoons sugar; stir to dissolve.

4

Fold up the bottom third of each wrapper. Center 1 to 2 teaspoons (.5 to 1.0 ml) filling near curved end of the wrappers, leaving space on both ends. Press filling into a compact rectangle. Fold one side of the wrapper over the mixture, then the other. Roll from

Dip 3 or 4 rice papers separately into the water for 3 to 4 seconds. Remove and place on a flat work surface. Allow rice paper to soften, 1 to 2 minutes, until soft and transparent.

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bottom to top to completely enclose. Seal with egg white. Continue making packages until wrappers are filled.

5

Heat 1 12 to 2 inches (3.6 to 4.8 cm) oil to 325◦ F (163◦ C). Add rolls but do not crowd or let them touch; they will stick together. Fry over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, turning often, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm while frying the remaining rolls.

6

To eat, each diner wraps a roll in a lettuce leaf along with a few strands of noodles and a variety of other ingredients from the vegetable platter before dipping it in the nuoc cham.

Cha Bo

Grilled Beef Patties

AMOUNT

MEASURE

2 tablespoons

1 3

1 21 cups

9 ounces, 252 g

ounce, 9 g

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Peanuts, roasted, ground Lean ground beef

2 tablespoons

Shallots, minced

2 teaspoons

Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Coconut milk

1 2

teaspoon

Cumin, ground

1 2

teaspoon

Granulated sugar

To taste

Salt and pepper

8

Bamboo skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Divide into 16 portions. Shape into a ball and then flatten to form a 1 12 inch (3.6 cm) patty. Thread 2 patties on each skewer. Grill or broil over high heat until desired temperature, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn only once. Serve immediately with nuoc cham.

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Goi Cuon

Fresh Spring Rolls

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Carrots, shredded

YIELD: 4–8 ROLLS

1 teaspoon

Granulated sugar

8

Rice paper (banh trang), 8 21 inches (20.4 cm) in diameter

4

Red leaf or Boston lettuce leaves, thick stem ends removed, cut in half

2 ounces

56 g

Rice vermicelli or Japanese alimentary paste noodles (somen), soaked/cooked, drained, and cooled

12 ounces

336 g

Pork loin, thinly sliced 1 × 2 inch (2.4 x 4.8 cm) pieces

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Bean sprouts, washed and drained

1 2

cup

8 1 2

Mint leaves Shrimp (16–20 ct), cooked, cooled, shelled, deveined, and cut lengthwise in half

cup

Cilantro leaves

1 tablespoon

Peanuts, roasted, chopped

As needed

Peanut sauce

As needed

Nuoc cham with shredded carrot and daikon

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine shredded carrots and sugar; let stand 10 minutes to soften. Fill a container of warm water (110◦ F, 43◦ C) large enough to hold the rice paper. Work with only 2 sheets of rice paper at a time; keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent curling.

3

Immerse each sheet individually into the warm water, 5 seconds. Remove and spread out flat; do not let the sheets touch each other. Allow the rice paper to soften 2 to 3 minutes. When soft and transparent, assemble the rolls.

4

Lay one piece of lettuce over the bottom third of the rice paper. On the lettuce, place 1 tablespoon of noodles, 1 tablespoon (14 g) carrots, 2 to 3 pieces of pork, a few bean sprouts and several mint leaves. Roll up the paper halfway into a cylinder. Fold in the sides in an envelope pattern. Lay 2 shrimp halves, cut side down, along the crease. Place a few cilantro leaves next to the shrimp. Keep rolling the paper into a tight cylinder to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers. Store with seam side down.

5

Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the dipping sauce and serve.

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RECIPES

Dia Rau Song Vegetable Platter AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

1

Head of Boston or other soft lettuce, separated into individual leaves (approximately 3 leaves per person)

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths

1 cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Cilantro leaves

1 cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Mint leaves

1 cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Basil leaves

1 21

9 ounces, 252 g

Seedless cucumber, peeled in alternating strips, halved lengthwise, sliced thinly crosswise

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Bean sprouts, washed, drained

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Carrots, julienned

cups

cup

As needed

PROCEDURE

1

INGREDIENT

Arrange ingredients in separate groups.

Lime slices

363

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Pho Bo Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup Y I E L D : 3 TO 4 Q UA RT S

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENTS

1 pound

448 g

Oxtail, cut 3 inch (7.2 cm) pieces

1 pound

448 g

Beef bones

2 quarts

64 ounces, 1.92 l

Beef stock

1 tablespoon

1 2

Vegetable oil

ounce, 15 ml

2

Onions, cut in

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slices

8 ounces

224 g

Daikon, chopped

1 12 ounces

42 g

Ginger, peeled, sliced

3

Green onions, crushed

3

Garlic cloves

1

Cinnamon stick, 2 inch (4.8 cm)

1 piece

Star anise

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

Garnish 4 ounces

112 g

Dried rice sticks (bahn pho), soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, drained

8 ounces

224 g

Flank steak, cut very thin

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Bean sprouts

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Red onions, thinly sliced ˜ Green chili pepper (jalapeno), sliced thinly

1 1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions,

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Cilantro leaves, fresh

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Mint leaves, fresh

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Basil leaves, fresh

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)

2 tablespoons 8

Lime wedges

1 2

inch pieces

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PROCEDURE

1

Rinse the oxtail and beef bones. Cover with cold stock and additional water if necessary, bring to a slow boil. Reduce heat and simmer, skim as necessary for the first 30 minutes.

2

Heat oil and add sliced onions; cook, stirring until the onions are browned. Remove and drain the fat.

3

After the stock has stopped foaming add the browned onions, daikon, ginger, green onions, garlic, cinnamon, star anise and black pepper. Simmer and continue to skim for 2 hours. Strain the stock using two layers of cheese cloth. Remove oxtail and shred the meat; serve with the soup.

4

Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for 3 seconds. Drain, rinse with cold water and drain.

5

Arrange the sliced beef on a platter. Garnish with red onions, sliced chilies, lime wedges, mint leaves, and basil.

6 7 8 9

At serving time, cook rice sticks in boiling water to heat. Drain.

10

Divide rice sticks equally among 4 serving bowls. Season hot beef stock with fish sauce and black pepper. Each person adds cooked beef, raw flank steak and red onions to their noodles; ladle hot stock over the meat, stirring to cook the meat. Add green chili, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, basil, and lime to taste.

365

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Dua Chua Pickled Carrot and Daikon Salad

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENTS

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Carrots, julienned

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Daikon, julienned

1 teaspoon 1 2

cup

Salt 4 ounces, 120 ml

Water

11 tablespoons

5 21

Rice wine vinegar

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

1 2

teaspoon

ounces, 165 ml

Granulated sugar Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)

1 tablespoon

Cilantro leaves, shredded

1 tablespoon

Mint leaves, shredded

1 tablespoon

Basil leaves, shredded

PROCEDURE

1

Combine carrots, daikon, and salt; toss to coat. Place in a colander to drain for 30 minutes. Rinse and squeeze dry.

2

Combine water, vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce, bring to a boil, and cool to room temperature.

3 4

Add vegetables to cool vinegar mixture and let marinate 1 hour. Just before serving, toss with herbs.

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RECIPES

Ga Xao Sa Ot Lemongrass Chicken AMOUNT

MEASURE

2

INGREDIENT

Lemongrass stalks, bottom 6 inches, only, minced

3 tablespoons 1 4

SERVES 4

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

teaspoon

Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam) Black pepper, ground

1 tablespoon

Garlic, minced

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Chicken thigh meat, boned, skinned, cut into 1-inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 tablespoon

1 2

Vegetable oil

ounce, 15 ml

Red chile, fresh, seeded, shredded into 1 21 inch (3.6 cm) lengths

2 1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions, shredded into 1 21 inch (3.6 cm) lengths

1 teaspoon

Granulated sugar

2 tablespoons

Basil leaves

1 tablespoon

Mint leaves

Garnish 1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Peanuts, unsalted roasted Dia Rau Song (vegetable platter; see recipe on page 363)

PROCEDURE

1

Combine lemongrass, 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) fish sauce, pepper, and garlic; mix well. Add chicken and toss to combine, let marinate for 1 hour.

2

Heat a wok over medium heat. Add oil; stir-fry chicken, 2 to 3 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. Add a little water if mixture is too dry.

3

Add remaining fish sauce, chiles, green onions, and sugar. Stir for 30 seconds. Add basil and mint leaves; toss to combine.

4

Serve garnished with peanuts and vegetable platter or rice.

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Bo Nuong AMOUNT

Grilled Beef

MEASURE

2

1 4

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Lemongrass stalks, bottom 6 inches only, sliced thin, or 2 tablespoons dried lemongrass, soaked in warm water 1 hour cup

1 ounce, 28 g

4 1 tablespoon

Shallots, sliced thin Garlic cloves, crushed

1 2

ounce, 14 g

1

Granulated sugar Fresh red chile peppers, seeded

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Peanut oil

2 tablespoons

Sesame seeds

1 pound

Beef, sirloin or flat iron steak, very cold, cut into thin strips, 1 12 (3.6 cm) inches by 4 to 5 (9.6 to 12 cm) long.

24

Bamboo skewers, 8 inches (19.2 cm), soaked in water 30 minutes

Garnish 4 ounces

112 g

Rice vermicelli, thin, soaked/cooked, drained, and cooled

As needed

Dia Rau Song (Vegetable Platter; see recipe on page 363)

As needed

Nuoc cham with shredded carrots and daikon (recipe folllows)

PROCEDURE

1

Combine lemongrass, shallots, garlic, sugar, and chiles in a mortar; pound to a fine paste. Move to a bowl and stir in fish sauce, sesame oil, peanut oil, and sesame seeds; blend well.

2 3 4

Add beef strips to the paste; toss to coat well. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

5

Each diner fills a lettuce leaf with vegetables, noodles, and barbecued beef. The leaf is wrapped into a neat roll and dipped in individual bowls of nuoc cham and eaten by hand.

Weave a skewer through each strip of meat. Grill or pan sear, 1 minute per side. Serve at room temperature with cooked noodles, vegetable platter, and nuoc cham.

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RECIPES

Nuoc Cham with Shredded Carrots and Daikon Y I E L D : 1 12 C U P

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Rice vinegar

3 tablespoons

1 12 ounces, 45 l

Fresh lime juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Water

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

2 tablespoons 1

Garlic clove, minced

1 2

teaspoon

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Carrot, shredded

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Daikon or turnip, peeled, shredded

Red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon

Granulated sugar

As needed

Nuoc cham (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Combine rice vinegar, lime juice, fish sauce, water, and sugar; stir to dissolve. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir. Cover and let stand for at least 1 hour.

2

Toss the carrot and daikon shreds with the 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let stand 15 minutes to soften. Combine with the nuoc cham.

Nuoc Cham AMOUNT

YIELD: 1 CUP

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2

Garlic cloves, crushed

1

Fresh red chile pepper, seeded, minced

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lime or lemon juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Rice vinegar

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Water

PROCEDURE

1

Using a mortar, make a paste of the garlic, chile, and sugar. Add remaining ingredients; stir to blend.

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SOUTHEAST ASIA

Suon Rang Glazed Spareribs

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 tablespoon

1 2

Vegetable oil

2 pounds

32 ounces, 896 g

Spareribs, lean, cut into 2 inch (4.8 cm) pieces

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)

1 tablespoon

1 2

Soy sauce

ounce, 15 ml

ounce, 15 ml

6

Garlic cloves, mashed

1 12

cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Onions, 1 inch (2.4 cm) cubes

1 12

cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Red bell peppers, 1 21 inch (3.6 cm) cubes

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onions, 2 inch (4.8 cm) lengths

1 2

cup

To taste

Black pepper, freshly ground

As needed

Cilantro sprigs

PROCEDURE

1

Heat wok over medium heat; add oil. Add ribs and cook on both sides until browned, about 15 to 20 minutes.

2 3

Add sugar and stir. Cook 10 minutes.

4

Pour off all but 1 tablespoon ( 12 ounce, 15 ml) fat. Add fish sauce and soy sauce and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic, onions, bell peppers, and green onions. Stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until onions are lightly browned and peppers are tender but firm. Transfer to serving dish. Sprinkle with black pepper and garnish with cilantro sprigs. Serve with rice.

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Spain The Land Spain is Europe’s third largest nation and occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula at the southwestern edge of the continent. It borders France and Andorra in the north and Portugal in the west. Spain’s rule once extended all over the world, but today it has been reduced to the mainland, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Spanish free ports of Ceuta and Melilla on the northern coast of Africa in Morocco, and several other small islands off the coast of Morocco. Spain’s physical geography comprises a large peninsula protected by a ring of mountains on nearly all sides. These mountains make Spain the second highest country in Europe, after Switzerland. Continental Spain consists of the Meseta or central plateau, the largest plateau of its kind in Europe, which is surrounded by the Baetic, Andalusian, and Iberian Mountains to the south and southeast, and the Pyrenees to the north, as well as the Cordillera Cantabrica (Catabrian Mountains) to the northwest. The eastern and southern coasts of Spain border the Mediterranean Sea. The varied topography makes for diversity in both climate and natural resources.

History Around 1100 B.C., Phoenicians from the area that is now present-day Lebanon set up trading colonies along the Spanish coast. Greeks also traded along the northeastern coast. After the

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S PA I N

fall of Phoenecia it was occupied by Rome for six centuries, laying such important foundations as the Latin language, Roman law, the municipality structure, and the Christian religion. After the Roman Empire fell, the Suevi, Vandals, and Alans came to Spain but were defeated by the Visigoths, who, by the end of the sixth century, had occupied most of the peninsula. The Arabs entered from the south at the beginning of the eighth century. They conquered the country quickly except for a small area in the north that would become the initial springboard for the reconquest that would occur eight centuries later. The era of Muslim rule is divided into three periods: the Emirate (711–756), the Caliphate (756–1031), and the Reinos de Taifas (small independent kingdoms, 1031–1492). In 1469, two Catholic monarchs were married: Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. The marriage prepared the way for the two kingdoms to be united. This union marked the opening of a period of growing success for Spain. The year 1492 heralded the discovery of the Americas under the command of Christopher Columbus. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the Spanish Empire became the world’s foremost power, and a huge presence in European politics. In 1808 Joseph Bonaparte was installed on the Spanish throne, following the Napoleonic invasion. A fierce resistance followed and Spanish rule was restored with Fernando VII occupying the throne. The Spanish overseas empire finally dissolved in 1898 when, after a brief war with the United States, Spain lost Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. During elections in 1931, it became clear that the people no longer wanted the monarchy ruling over them. In all the large towns of Spain the candidates who supported the monarchy were defeated heavily. However, many smaller country towns supported the monarchy, and thus it was able to keep power. The cities held much power, however, and within them support for Republicans was enormous. Great crowds gathered in Madrid, and the king’s most trusted friends advised him to leave. He did so, and the Republic was established on April 14, 1931. During the five-year lifetime of the Republic, it was riddled with political, economic, and social conflicts, which split opinion into two irreconcilable sides: those who still supported a republic and those who did not. The climate of violence grew and on July 18, 1936, a military uprising turned into a tragic three-year civil war. On October 1, 1936, General Francisco Franco took over as head of state and commanderin-chief of the armed forces. Spain began a period of forty years’ dictatorship. The early years were years of economic privation and political repression. Later in Franco’s rule, steps toward modernizing Spain’s economy began, and increased external influence began to be felt both from the burgeoning tourist trade and industrial investments in Spain. Franco died in 1975, bringing to an end a significant period of modern Spanish history and opening the way to the restoration of the monarchy with the rise to the throne of Juan Carlos I. Once in power, the young king pushed for change to a western-style democracy. Adolfo Suarez, the prime minister of the second monarchy government, carried out the transition

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H I S TO RY

Al

Bay of Biscay

C o s t a Ve r d e

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CANTABRIA

BASQUE COUNTRY

Mi ño

GALICIA ASTURIAS

LA RIOJA

ANDORRA

C A TA L O N I A

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Pyr e n e e s

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A A RR RR A VA AV NA N

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Br

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CASTILLALEÓN

BARCELONA ARAGON Co

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C. de Tortosa

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MADRID

Valencia

EXTREMADURA

Seville

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ANDALUCÍA

ca

Bl

M U R C I A Murcia

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Isla de Cabrera Cabrera

Ibiza Formentera

Segura

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MEDITERRANEAN

SEA

Cartagena

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Gulf of Cádiz

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Huelva sta

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Albacete

CASTILLALA MANCHA

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Gulf of Valencia

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Balearic Sea

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Costa

Cádiz

Strait

of

Gibraltar (U.K.)

Gibr altar

Ceuta (Spain)

del Sol

Alborán (Spain)

Spain

to democracy, which culminated in the first democratic parliamentary elections in forty-one years, on June 15, 1977. The years since have been years of rapid change, politically, economically, and socially. In 1982, Spain became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In 1995, Spain joined the European Union. Spain’s economy has grown at a rapid pace, and now has reached near parity with the northern European industrialized democracies. Socially, Spain also has moved toward the European mean, with the younger generation more urban and more cosmopolitan than generations before. On March 11, 2004, Spain was the victim of a massive terrorist attack when Islamic extremists exploded a series of bombs on trains in the crowded Atocha train station in central Madrid. Nearly three hundred died, and hundreds more were injured. In an election a few days later, voters angry at a lack of transparency in the government’s handling of the attack—and especially angry at apparently politically-motivated government attempts to link the bombings

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to Basque terrorists and denial of any Al Queda involvement—led to a surprise victory for the Socialists and their regional allies after eight years of right-wing Partido Popular rule.

The People Spain’s land-bridge location between Europe and Africa and its long history of invasion and settlement by many different groups have resulted in a great mixing of peoples and cultures, particularly the strong influences of the Roman, Jewish, Moorish, and Muslim cultures. The language of Spain reflects this inherent diversity. Even though Spanish is the official language, other languages in Spain are highly dominant in parts of the country and have been officially recognized. Catalan is spoken in the regions of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. In Valencia both Castilian and a dialect called Valencian are spoken. Gallego, or Galician, is popular in northwest Spain. The native language of the Basque region is called Euskera. It is not a form of Spanish, and its origins are unknown. Most Spaniards are baptized, married, and buried as members of the Roman Catholic Church. Under the 1978 constitution the church is no longer Spain’s official faith, though financial support is still provided by the state. Among non-Catholic Spaniards, Muslims from Morocco form the largest community. Many other non-Catholics are Protestants, and Spain is also home to small Jewish and Eastern Orthodox congregations. One long-standing minority group is the Roma (Gypsies), who are known as Gitanos. Some of the Roma follow a traditional nomadic lifestyle, while others have assimilated into mainstream Spanish society. Some Basques also claim an ethnic or racial uniqueness from other Spaniards, in addition to a language difference. In the late twentieth century, Spain began receiving large numbers of immigrants for the first time since the sixteenth century. Most of the country’s foreign populations are from Latin America, elsewhere in Europe, or North Africa. The discussion of Spanish culture would not be complete without mentioning two of the most popular customs of Spain: flamenco and bullfighting. These customs are synonymous with Spain throughout the world and hence have become a part of its culture. They are an important part of any fiesta or carnival in Spain. Traditionally, flamenco is an intense artistic expression that originated in southern Spain. Song, dance, and guitar are blended into passionate rhythms that are often improvised and spontaneous. Bullfighting had its first mention as a sport during the Greek and Roman periods. Many northern Europeans are critical of bullfighting and condemn it as a cruel blood sport. Most Spaniards, however, do not see it this way. To them bullfighting is an exciting test of bravery, skill, and grace. The Spanish are known for eating late. Breakfast often consists of rolls, butter or preserves, and coffee. Lunch, served between 2 and 3 p.m., is the main meal of the day. Dinner is eaten after 9 p.m., often as late as midnight, and is lighter.

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THE FOOD

The Food The Moors’ occupation of Spain for 750 years greatly influenced Spanish culinary development. The Moorish invaders introduced the cultivation of rice; spices such as saffron, cumin, and anise; nuts (especially almonds); and fruit such as figs, citrus, and bananas. The Moors also introduced their own methods of food preparation. For example, the technique of marinating fish in a strong, vinegary sauce and the combination of sweet and spicy foods are of Arab origin. From the Spanish conquests in the New World in the sixteenth century came eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, red and green peppers (both hot and sweet), and chocolate. The Spanish mainland can be broadly divided into five distinct regions: Green Spain, Central Spain, the Pyrenees, Mediterranean Spain, and Andalusia. Green Spain is located in the north and northwest and includes the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque provinces. Galicia is known for its abundance of seafood, especially scallops, hake, salmon, and trout. An elegant fan-shaped sea scallop that the Galacians call vieira has flavor and history. Travelers from the south kept the shells as proof of their journey through the rocky coastlines. The Asturias is known for its abundance of fish and vegetables. Known for contented cows and mountain ranges full of forests, Asturias and Cantabria are cheese and apple country. Arroz con leche is a simple rice pudding made with famous rich and creamy milk. The milk not used for bottling is used for some of the best cheeses in Spain. Cow, sheep, and goat’s milk is used to make a soft creamy cheese known as Cabrales Blue that is wrapped in chestnut leaves and stored in humid caves. Light green-blue veins develop to intensify its taste and aroma. Also famous in this region is a blood sausage made with cow’s blood, bacon, and onions. Basque cuisine has agriculture, pastoral, and fishery influences. Peas, beans, green and red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and other mixed vegetables are the stars of many Basque dishes. The Basque district curves around the Bay of Biscay and these waters provide many varieties of fish and shellfish that include crab, hake, tuna, cod, mussels, oysters, lobsters, edible sea barnacles, and baby eels, or angulas. Octopus that inhabit the deep bay waters also find their way to the table as pulpo gallega. In Basque country the people enjoy pintxos (tapas) twice during the day. One is the aperitivo in the morning, and the other is the txikiteo, in the evening. Examples of pintxos include tiny rolls filled with ham, grilled eggplant, red peppers, various omelets, fish, sausage, fresh anchovies, as well as croquettes and towering creations of potato salad, egg, mayonnaise, and shrimp supported by a toothpick and topped by an olive. Bacalao, or dried salted cod, is a staple food that is affordable and can be stored for days. All salt cod needs to be refreshed in water to remove the salt that has preserved the cod. Cooks will first slap the fish against a hard surface to break down the fibers and then leave it to soak for at least 24 hours, changing the water frequently. It is then simmered, or cooked with vegetables, or pureed with cream, olive oil, and spices.

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Central Spain is located on the vast Meseta plateau and includes the provinces of La Rioja, Castile-Leon, Castile-LaMancha, Extremadura, and the country’s capital, Madrid. Food here is a blend of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions producing a rustic style of cooking. Dishes range from simple broths such as warm garlic soup (sopas de ajo) to more complex winter dishes. Cocido Madrileno, or simply cocido, is one of Spain’s notable dishes. Cocido is based on a large cauldron, which simmers all day. The meats used are chosen for their diversity; salt meat, fresh meat, and sausage are used, as well as meat bones and trotters to add richness to the stock. Caldo is a clear stock to which sherry is added. The pot also contains vegetables, the first being chickpeas, then onion, garlic, and leek, and finally fresh vegetables. The order and manner of serving is governed by family tradition. Some families like a large display, with everything served at the same time on different platters, or it may be served in courses. The region is also well known for its roasts; lamb, veal, suckling pig, young goat, and other meats are slowly cooked in wood ovens. The Manchegos have great meat roasting traditions and have produced numerous recipes for cooking game, such as the gazpacho manchego (a stew of partridge, hare, rabbit, and pheasant). This region produces some of the finest iberico pork and cheese products in Spain. The foods are reminiscent of those described in Don Quixote, prepared with saffron, honey, and manchego cheese. The Castile–La Mancha district produces a range of fine foods and drink, including Spain’s best sheep cheese (manchego), excellent table wines (Valdepenas), honey, asparagus, strawberries, and saffron. The city of Toledo is renowned for its yemas (egg yolk sweets) and marzipans; Madrid is known for its chocolate con churros, orejuelas (honey fritters); and Ciudad Real for its bizcochos, borrachos or wine-soaked cakes. The cool Mediterranean climate, semi-arid conditions, and high altitude of central Spain provide the perfect environment for growing olive trees. In the slopes of the Sierras (Montes de Toledo, Sierra de Alcaraz, La Alcarria) the trees are protected from frost. The olive oils of this region have been appreciated for their quality and taste with the cultivation of the first olive trees dating back to the twelfth century. Central Spain is also where one of their most precious products is produced, saffron. The Moors brought with them the spice az-zafaran over a thousand years ago. Today over 70 percent of the world’s saffron is grown on the high Castilian plateau known as La Mancha. Every October the crocus flowers open at night. The people from Toledo to Albacete rush to the fields at dawn, the opening of the crocus creating a purple blanket as far as the eye can see. All the saffron crocuses must be gathered before dusk; otherwise they lose their flavor. The La Vera region of Spain produces a particularly high quality smoked paprika. Over the centuries, the Yuste monks shared their secrets for growing and processing the chile with local farmers. But it was not until the mid-nineteenth century that the farmers began growing their pimientos on a ´ These days the pimenton is the region’s main large scale and processing them into pimenton. source of income. The pimientos are slowly dried over smoldering oak logs for ten to fifteen days and are hand-turned twenty-four hours a day before they are ready to be processed. The smoke-dried pods are then ground into powder and packed in bulk containers. The majority of the pimenton goes to the sausage factories to flavor chorizo. But it is also packed in tins

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THE FOOD

for the consumer market. There are three varieties of pimenton—sweet (dulce), hot (picante), and bittersweet (agridulce). The rugged mountain chain of the Pyrenees extends along the Spanish-French border from the Bay of Biscay to the Gulf of Valencia. Throughout this mountainous region there are upper meadows, pasture land, glacial lakes, and streams. At the foot of the mountains lie a series of valleys that turn to fertile orchards and vineyards at the Ebro river basin. The cuisine of this region is typically mountain cuisine. Trout and other fish from mountain streams are cooked a la llosa: on a slate slab over hot coals. Beef can also be prepared this way. Dishes made with rabbit, quail, partridge, venison, and duck are popular as well. Wild mushrooms are also a local delicacy. Mediterranean Spain includes the regions of Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia. The coastal or irrigated plains are home to citrus orchards and produce. Rice fields, vineyards, olive groves, almond, fig, and citrus orchards are characteristic of this area. Seafood and shellfish are abundant here. Catalan cuisine is the oldest, most well-known, most individual, and most traditional cuisine in Spain. It is made up of seven primary ingredients: olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts), dried fruits (raisins and prunes), and herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves). There are seventeen officially recognized varieties of chorizo in Catalonia. It is usually made from lean pork, garlic, paprika, red bell peppers and red chile pepper flakes. This region’s cuisine is as varied as that of most Spanish regions, but it is a rice-growing land. The short-grain rice was mass-produced around the city of Valencia as a result of the sophisticated irrigation system introduced by the Moors. It was the poor peasant people of the Valencian region who first prepared paella, Spain’s most famous dish. The original recipe combined homegrown vegetables (usually green and broad beans) with off-cuts of rabbit. Today paella has many variations, most commonly rice cooked with both seafood and chicken or rabbit and then scented and colored with saffron. Another variation is the paella negra (black paella), which is colored by the ink from the squid. The region of Valencia produces a wide variety of oranges, mandarins, and lemons. Valencia is also the birthplace of the soft drink horchata, made from something called a chufa, which translates as “tiger nut,” grown all over eastern Spain. Horchata looks like an off-white milk, with a toffeelike aroma, and is served cold. Valencia is the home of the famous Spanish candy, turron, thought to have been introduced by the Moors. It is traditionally eaten at Christmas. Turron is made by roasting almonds and slow-cooking them with honey and egg white. Andalusia in southern Spain is the largest of the country’s provinces. Andalusia is the world’s largest producer of olive oil and its flavor is the foundation of the region’s cooking. Black and green olives are grown on the same tree; green olives are simply unripe black olives and are picked in October. Remaining olives ripen and turn black, ready for picking in January or February. In Spain black olives are hardly ever eaten, being used mostly for making oil. Green olives are harvested for eating as tapas or for use as cooking ingredients. Tapas, the ageold custom in Spain originated in Andalusia. The word tapa literally means “cover” or “lid” and it is said that the first tapas was simply a hunk of bread placed over the glass to keep out

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the fruit flies. As the tradition developed, tapas became more elaborate small portions of foods, both hot and cold, served in bars, bodegas, and tascas to accompany a copa of fino (dry Spanish sherry), or draught beer. Tapas recipes vary according to the taste and gastronomic traditions of each region. But the tapas most often served are usually those including the many varieties ˜ of olives: green, Manzanilla, machacadas (crushed), goradales (big), rellenas (stuffed), alinadas (flavored), and deshuesadas (stoneless), dry nuts, as well as many kinds of cold cuts. Andalusia’s most famous contribution to world gastronomy is said to be gazpacho. Traditionally gazpacho is known as peasant food consisting of bread, olive oil, and crushed garlic. None of those forerunners of gazpacho contained tomatoes, as tomatoes were unknown in Spain until after the discovery of the New World. The Moorish influence is evident in some of the variations on the basic theme, such as ajo blanco, made with ground almonds. The mountainous province of Huelva in western Andalusia is famous for producing cured hams from pigs fed partially or entirely on a diet of acorns. The hams hang from the ceilings of most establishments, most with hooves still attached and a small container attached at the bottom to catch draining fluids. The hams are taken down and placed on special clamps and very thin slices are carved using a flexible and very sharp knife. Sherry is a fortified wine, made in and around the town of Jerez. According to Spanish law, Sherry must come from the triangular area of the province of Cadiz, between Jerez, Sanlucar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria. In earlier times Sherry was known as sack, a rendering of the Spanish saca, meaning a removal (from the solera, or barrel). Sherry differs from other wines by how it is treated after fermentation. After fermentation is complete, it is fortified with brandy. Sherry vinegar can only be made from wines produced in the “sherry triangle.” Not only must sherry vinegar be made from wines from this small area but it has to be aged in one of these sherry towns. Spain is the world leader in the production of air-dried hams, about 190,000 tons per year, which represents some 30 million hams, produced by 1,700 companies. The hams spend a short period of time in salt and then at least three months curing in the mountain air. Most are produced from white pigs but the darker Iberian pigs produce the most expensive hams. All these hams are subject to stringent quality control and are awarded certain classes depending on their production methods. They are best eaten on their own, without bread. A significant amount of Spanish hams are exported each year, mainly to Germany and France.

Glossary Aioli Garlic flavored mayonnaise, typical of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Anisette A digestive, the flavoring for many liqueurs (anisette or anise). Its flavor varies according to which seeds are used—aniseed or star anise.

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Bacalao Preserved salt cod. Capaplanas Traditional domed clam cookers from the Algarve region in southern Portugal. Chorizo Brick-colored sausage prepared with light variations in various parts of Spain. Nor-

´ which gives it its characteristic color and smokiness. mally made with pork, fat, and pimenton, In Spain chorizo comes in three varieties. Fully cured dry chorizo has a texture similar to pepperoni. Semi-cured, fully cooked soft chorizo has a consistency similar to kielbasa. Fresh chorizo is raw, uncooked sausage. Churro Choux pastry dough deep-fried in olive oil, spiral shaped, and similar to a doughnut.

Churros are made from dough extruded into thin tubes; these have a star-shaped cross section and are several inches long. Traditionally eaten at breakfast with hot chocolate. Cocido Stews, famous in northern and central Spain. More than just a stew, they are elaborate creations, an event, usually prepared to feed a large group of friends and family. Empanada In Spanish the word empanada means “in dough” and describes pies with savory

fillings enclosed in bread dough, short pastry, or puff pastry. Flan Baked custard dessert, usually served with caramel sauce. Gazpacho Cold vegetable soup, the best-known version of which is from the southern Spanish

region of Andalusia. It is made of ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, garlic, and bread moistened with water that is blended with olive oil, vinegar, and ice water and is served cold. Jambon Serrano Cured ham similar to the prosciutto of Italy, with a sweet-salty flavor. Paella Traditional rice dish originating from Valencia, an authentic paella valenciana contains

chicken, rabbit, sometimes duck, and the land snails called vaquetes, for which a rosemary sprig can be substituted. The only permissible vegetables are flat green beans, artichokes, and butter beans. The star of this dish is rice. Other authentic ingredients include a sofrito of tomatoes, garlic, saffron, and pimiento. The Valencian word paella, meaning “pan,” comes from the Latin patella, which also means “pan.” Paella Pan Thin, round, shallow, flat-bottomed, two-handled pan. The wide, shallow shape

allows the largest area of rice to come in contact with the bottom of the pan, where the flavor of the ingredients is concentrated. It also helps liquid evaporate rapidly. ´ Smoked paprika. It differs from other European paprikas because of the characterisPimenton

tic smoked aroma that it gives off during processing from being dried by means of wood smoke. Piquillo Peppers Spanish wood-roasted sweet peppers. Queso (Cheese) PDO Status The governments in most European countries have instituted a government-controlled quality program known as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) for

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About Olive Oil Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world, followed closely by Italy. Greece is the third-largest producer, though it uses more olive oil per capita than any other country. No two olive oils are exactly alike. Just as with wine, each oil is distinct, a unique product of soil, climate, olive type (there are at least 60 varieties of olives), and processing method. The olive tree is a hearty evergreen with silver-green leaves that thrives in the mild winters and long hot summers of the Mediterranean and does well in dry, arid climates. In many cases olive trees, which start bearing usable fruit after five to eight years, can be hundreds of years old and still produce fruit. Olive trees planted near the sea can produce up to 20 times more fruit than those planted inland. A mature olive tree will produce only 15 to 20 kilograms (33 to 44 pounds) of olives each year. Since it takes about 5 kilograms of olives to make a liter of oil, one tree is capable of producing only about 3 to 4 liters of oil per year. Picked olives are taken to an olive oil mill, where they are pressed for their oil. This is done the same day, or at most a day later, before they start to oxidize and ferment. The actual fruit of the tree—the just-picked olives—is far too bitter and acrid to eat and it must be washed and soaked and then either brined or salted and allowed to age before it is edible. Virgin olive oil is extracted without heat, additives, or solvents from the freshly picked bitter olives, and should have a lush, rich taste and velvety texture. The oil from olives is ready to use immediately after extraction. Olive oil that is “cold-pressed” is made from olives that have been crushed with a traditional millstone or stainless steel grindstone. No heat or chemicals are added during the process, which produces a heavy olive paste. The paste is then spread over thick, round straw or plastic mats that are placed in a press. This press extracts the liquid from the paste—a combination of oil and water. The oil is separated from the water either by decanting or by centrifuge and then filtered to remove any large particles. The resulting oil is then graded and classified, according to standards established by the IOOC. The finest olive oils are those that have the lowest acidity, which is measured as a percentage per 100 grams of oil.

TYPES OF OLIVE OIL

r Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Any olive oil that is less than 1 percent acidity, produced by the first cold pressing of the olive fruit. Most olive oils today are extra virgin in name only, meeting only the minimum requirements. Extra virgin is a chemical requirement that does not indicate quality and taste.

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G L O S S A RY

r Virgin Olive Oil: It is made from olives that are slightly riper than those used for extravirgin oil and is produced in exactly the same manner but has a slightly higher level of acidity (1 21 percent).

r Unfiltered Olive Oil: This oil contains small particles of olive flesh. Some claim this adds additional flavor. Unfortunately, it causes a sediment to form at the bottom of the bottle, which can become rancid, negatively impacting flavor and shelf life. It is recommended that this oil not be used for cooking. Unfiltered oil should be carefully stored and used within three to six months of bottling.

r Early Harvest (Fall Harvest Olive Oil): Olives reach their full size in the fall but may not fully ripen from green to black until late winter. Green olives have slightly less oil and more bitterness and can be higher in polyphenols. The oil tends to be more expensive because it takes more olives to make a bottle of oil. This oil has a more peppery and bitter flavor.

r Late Harvest (Winter Harvest Olive Oil): The fruit is picked ripe and the olives have a little more oil. It has a light, mellow taste with little bitterness and more floral flavors.

r Refined Olive Oil: This olive oil is obtained from refining virgin olive oil that has defects (the result is an essentially tasteless olive oil). Among the defects are a natural acidity higher than 3.3 percent, poor flavor, and an unpleasant odor. This product is also known as “A” refined olive oil.

r Refined Olive-Pomace Oil: Oil obtained by treating olive pomace with solvents and refined using methods that do not lead to alterations in the initial glyceridic structure.

r Olive-Pomace Oil: Olive oil that consists of a blend of refined olive-pomace oil and virgin olive oil.

r Light and Extra Light Olive Oil: The olive oil advertised as “light” or as “extra light” olive oil contains the exact same number of calories as regular olive oil and is a mixture of refined olive oils that are derived from the lowest-quality olive oils available through chemical processing.

r First Press: This is no longer an official definition for olive oil. A century ago, oil was pressed in screw or hydraulic presses. The paste was subjected to increasingly high pressures with subsequent degradation in the flavor of the oil. Today the vast majority of oil is made in continuous centrifugal presses. There is no second pressing.

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many agricultural and food products. Often called DO, this program means the government guarantees the origin, preparation methods, and production within a certain location in the country, and the quality of a product. Spanish DO Cheeses Cabrales One of the great blue cheeses of the world, produced from raw milk, mainly cow’s milk. The rind is sticky and yellow, with an intense smell. The interior is compact but very open, with lots of holes and blue veins. The taste is strong, although not as strong as the smell, slightly piquant, acid, and creamy. Cantabria Also called queso de nata or cantabrian cream cheese. Aged cheese from soft to semi-cured to cured, made from pasteurized cow’s milk, it has a smooth flavor, ranging from sweet and slightly acidic to buttery. Ibores Made with unpasteurized milk from the serrata goat breed of Verata and Retinta, us-

ing mixed coagulation (lactic and enzymatic) techniques. It is a semi-soft paste of medium aging. The rind is rubbed with olive oil or smoked paprika from Vera. Its flavor is creamy and very buttery, with aromas of unpasteurized milk. Idiaz´abal Aged cheese, from semi-cured to cured, made exclusively from whole raw sheep’s

´ milk. Idiazabal is a robust and sharp cheese, made to be ripened for a long period, with a dry and crumbly paste. L’Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya Made with pasteurized whole milk from frisona cows. It has a

soft and creamy texture, with sweet aroma. L’Alt Urgell A very aromatic soft cheese cured for a short time, with a buttery taste, although intense and persistent. La Serena Cheese aged for at least eight weeks, from soft to semi-cured, made with unpas-

teurized whole milk, from merino sheep. The flavor is very buttery, thick, and creamy. It is full flavored with an underlying tart flavor and a spreadable texture. This is a cheese almost always made in an artisanal way, of a very small production, difficult to find and expensive. ´ Also known as Menorqu´ın cheese. Fresh to much-cured cheese, depending on Mahon

the state of aging, made from raw or pasteurized cow’s milk. The taste is very particular, slightly acidic and salty, but not buttery. It can be milky and humid when fresh, and dry, strong, and piquant as it ages. Majorero Also called queso de fuerteventura. Aged cheese, from aired to very cured. Made

with goat’s milk, it has a compact but open interior, and a slightly gummy texture. The taste of the little-cured variety is acidic, a little piquant, and buttery but not salty. Aged cheese is rubbed with oil, paprika, and gofio (a local sweet wheat flour) in order to avoid excessive drying.

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Manchego Aged cheese, with a firm interior, compact and closed. The color is ivory to

pale yellow. The taste is very characteristic, well developed but not too strong, buttery and slightly piquant, with a sheep’s milk aftertaste. Semi-cured to cured cheese is made exclusively with raw or pasteurized sheep’s milk and has a crumbly texture. The shape is cylindrical, with a flat top and bottom surfaces engraved with the typical “flower” left by the wooden presses. The sides show a zigzag pattern produced by the mat-weed (esparto) of the molds. Murcia al Vino Aged cheese, from soft to semi-cured, made with pasteurized goat’s milk,

and aged by applying external washes with red wine. It has a mild aroma, and the flavor is pleasantly acid and a little salty. ´ Also known as Queso de los Picos de Europa. Aged for at least three months, Picon cured, made of a mixture of unpasteurized cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk. A type of blue cheese, it is robust and full flavored, cylindrical in shape. It is an artisanal cheese limited in production and aged in natural caves in the Picos de Europa in northern Spain. Quesucos de Liebana Fresh cheese or aged and soft, produced mainly with cow’s milk, although sometimes mixed with sheep’s and goat’s milk. Cylindrical in shape, smoked or with a natural rind, the unsmoked cheese has a smooth and buttery flavor, while the smoked variety has a more acidic and cured flavor. Roncal Also queso del valle del roncal. Aged for at least four months, and cured, made from sheep’s milk from Laxta or Aragonese breeds. Its flavor is well developed and structured, buttery with an aroma of straw, dried fruit, and mushrooms. Tetilla Aged, from soft to semi-cured, made with cow’s milk. The soft paste, thick and smooth with few air pockets, is very creamy on the palate. The flavor is clean and smooth. The word tetilla, meaning “nipple,” clearly defines the traditional shape of this cheese: a flattened pear-shaped cone with a small nipple on the top. Zamorano The rind is dark gray and oily. The inside is closed and compact, with tiny crystal-like dots spread evenly throughout. The cheese is compact, not easy to melt, and has a straw-yellow color. The taste is intense although not too strong, slightly piquant, and buttery. Saffron The stigma of the purple crocus flower, intensely fragrant, slightly bitter in taste. By

soaking saffron in warm water, the result is a bright yellow-orange solution. Sangria Red wine mixed with fruit juices. Sherry Sherry is a fortified wine from a small region of Spain, made from the Muscat, Palomino, and Pedro Ximenez grapes.

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Menus and Recipes from Spain T A P A S

M E N U

Aceitunas Verdes Rellenas de Pimiento y Anchoa: Green Olives Filled with Piquillo Peppers and Anchovy Queso Idiazabal: Cheese with Fresh Herbs ´ Pan Con Tomate: Tomato Toast Calamares Encebollados: Squid with Caramelized Onions Garum: Black Olive, Anchovy, and Caper Spread Croquetas de Jamon: ´ Serrano Ham Fritters Bacalad Al Ajo Arriero: Bacalao Hash Tortilla de Patatas: Potato Omelet Gambas Al Ajillo: Sizzling Garlic Shrimp M E N U

O N E

Rape con Romesco: Monkfish with Romesco Sauce Sopa De Ajo: Castilian Garlic Soup Fabes con Almejas: Asturian Bean Stew with Clams Paella Valenciana Espinacas a` la Catalana: Spinach, Catalan-Style Pera Salsa de Caramelo al Caf´e: Pears with Caramel-Coffee Sauce M E N U

T W O

Gazpacho Sevillano: Classic Gazpacho Pollo En Pepitoria: Chicken in Almond and Saffron Sauce Ensalada con Higos, Cabrales, y Granada: Mesclun, Figs, Cabrales, and Pomegranate Merluza en Salsa Verde: Hake in Green Sauce Cerdo Cocido con la Fruta Seca: Braised Pork with Dried Fruit Arroz con Leche: Rice and Milk

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RECIPES

Aceitunas Verdes Rellenas de Pimiento y Anchoa Green Olives Filled with Piquillo Peppers and Anchovy SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

8

Extra-large green olives unpitted

4

Anchovy fillets, oil-packed, cut in half lengthwise

2

Piquillo pepper, cut into 8,

1 3 tablespoons

inch (1.2 cm) wide strips

Garlic clove, rough chopped 1 12

ounces, 45 ml

1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon

1 2

Spanish extra-virgin olive oil Orange zest, grated

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

To taste

Sherry vinegar Sea salt

PROCEDURE

1

Using the flat side of a chef knife, press each olive until the pit pops out; do not split the olive in half.

2 3 4 5

Place one slice anchovy and pepper in each olive. Combine garlic, olive oil, orange zest, and sherry vinegar to make a dressing. Marinate stuffed olives in dressing for 30 minutes. Serve sprinkled with sea salt.

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Queso Idiaz´abal Cheese with Fresh Herbs Chef Tip

SERVES 4

Any semi-hard cheese can be substituted.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

3

INGREDIENT

Garlic cloves, split in half, crushed

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Idiaza´ bal cheese, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes

1 tablespoon

Whole black peppercorns

2

Fresh rosemary sprigs, rough chopped

2

Fresh thyme sprigs, rough chopped

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Spanish extra-virgin olive oil

PROCEDURE

1 2

Combine all ingredients and coat the cheese thoroughly. Marinate at room temperature, for as long as overnight.

Pan Con Tomate AMOUNT

MEASURE

Tomato Toast

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT 1 2

4

Rustic bread,

2

Ripe tomatoes, cut in half

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

inch (1.2 cm) thick slices

Spanish extra-virgin olive oil

To taste

Sea salt

Optional

Garum (recipe follows)

Optional

´ serrano (Spanish cured ham) Jamon

PROCEDURE

1 2

Toast or grill bread.

3 4

Drizzle olive oil over tomato and season with salt.

Rub the open face of the tomato into one side of each piece of toast until all the flesh is grated. Discard skin. ´ serrano. Serve with garum, if desired, or a thin slice of jamon

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RECIPES

Calamares Encebollados Squid with Caramelized Onions AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

cup

SERVES 4

1

INGREDIENT

Spanish extra-virgin olive oil Garlic clove

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Spanish sweet onions, sliced thin

1

Bay leaf

To taste

Salt 1 2

2 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Fresh squid,

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Dry white wine

cup

2 teaspoons

inch (1.2 cm) pieces

Flat-leaf parsley, chopped

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium saute´ pan.

4

Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until onions are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes longer.

5 6

Remove onions from pan and set aside, leaving the oil in pan.

Add garlic and cook 2 minutes or until brown; remove. Add onions and bay leaf; cook over medium-low heat until lightly brown, about 10 minutes.

Return heat to high and sprinkle pan with salt. Add squid, making sure not to overcrowd the pan; there must be ample space so the squid does not boil. Saut´e 15 to 20 seconds on each side. Remove from pan and repeat the process with remaining squid.

7

Return all the squid to the pan, add caramelized onions, and stir to mix. Add wine around sides and boil for 20 seconds.

8

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

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Garum

Black Olive, Anchovy, and Caper Spread YIELD:

3 4

CUP

In ancient Rome, garum was a pungent all-purpose condiment made from fermented anchovies, similar to Asian fish sauce. This current version, from Catalonia, is closer to the French tapenade and works well with grilled meat, chicken, or fish. Try to find olives that are pungent, but not vinegary and briny. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Pitted black olives, Nic¸oise

2

Anchovy fillets, chopped and mashed to a paste

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 14 g

1

Garlic clove, smashed

1

Hard-cooked egg yolk, smashed

1 tablespoon 1 4

Capers, drained and rinsed

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

teaspoon

2 tablespoons

Rum, brandy, or water Dijon mustard

1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

PROCEDURE

1

Combine olives, anchovy, capers, garlic, egg yolk, rum, and mustard in a food processor or mortar; process to a medium-fine paste.

2 3 4

Gradually add olive oil. Let stand 1 hour at room temperature to allow flavors to develop. Serve with grilled bread or tomato toast.

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RECIPES

Croquetas de Jam´on Serrano Ham Fritters

YIELD: 15 FRITTERS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 56 g

Butter

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Spanish onion,

cup

1 41

cups

1 4

inch (.6 cm) diced

6 ounces, 168 g

All-purpose flour

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Milk

1 2

3 ounces, 84 g

´ serrano (Spanish cured ham), finely chopped Jamon

cup

To taste

Salt

Pinch

Nutmeg

1

Large egg, beaten with teaspoon of water

1 cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Dry bread crumbs

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Olive oil, for frying

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Heat butter over medium heat; add onion and saut´e until translucent, 3 minutes.

5 6

Spread mixture out on a half sheet pan and cool to room temperature.

7 8 9 10 11

Add 1 cup (4 12 ounces, 126 g) flour and mix well. Cook to a blond roux, about 5 minutes. Add milk gradually, stirring continuously; cook 3 to 4 minutes, until a thick b´echamel. Add ham, salt, and nutmeg; cook 2 minutes. The mixture should be thick enough to mold by hand. Test for correct consistency by carefully picking up a tablespoon-size bit and balling it with your hands. It should not be very sticky. If mixture sticks to your hands, return to heat and cook 2 more minutes; recheck. Form the mixture into small cylinders the size of a wine cork, using about a tablespoon of mixture for each. Roll each fritter in remaining flour, the egg, and breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before frying. Heat oil to 375◦ F (190◦ C). Deep-fry fritters in small batches. Fry until golden color, about 1 minute; turn as needed. Transfer to absorbent towels to drain. Repeat with all fritters and serve hot.

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Bacalad al Ajo Arriero Bacalao Hash Chef Tip

SERVES 4

Cooked with care, desalted reconstituted bacalao is moist, plump, and falling apart in

big, luxurious flakes. Depending on the grade of the fish and the salting method used, bacalao can take anywhere from 24 hours to 2 days to desalt properly. To desalt, cover with 2 inches of cold water and refrigerate, changing water every 4–5 hours if possible. Taste a small piece and if it is still too salty, soak longer, changing water as needed. It can also be cooked in milk instead of water to draw out some of the salt. It is important to cook salt cod very gently or it will become tough and rubbery; never boil it. The fish is cooked when it flakes easily with the point of a knife. There are small bones that need to be removed. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 ounces, 84 g

Salt cod, soaked, cooked, drained

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

cup

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green bell pepper,

1 2

cup

2 ounces

Piquillo peppers (from can or jar) or pimientos, or Red bell pepper, julienne cut

6 ounces, 168 g

Boiling potatoes (Yukon gold), peeled, boiled, drained, 14 inch (.6 cm) dice

1 cup 1 4

teaspoon

2 tablespoons 1 4

teaspoon

To taste

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Sweet (not smoked) paprika 1 ounce, 30 ml

Tomato sauce White wine or sherry vinegar Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon

Flat-leaf parsley, minced

For serving

Sliced crusty baguette

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RECIPES

PROCEDURE

1 2

Flake salt cod finely, discard bones, skin, and any tough bits.

3

Add green pepper and cook until pepper and onions are very soft, 5–6 minutes. Do not brown.

4

If pan looks dry add a little more oil, stir in cod, piquillo peppers, and potatoes; mix well, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Stir only 2–3 times.

5

Add paprika and stir for a few seconds. Add tomato sauce and wine, reduce heat to very low, re-cover, and simmer 7–8 minutes. Hash should still be moist; if not, add a little water and simmer 1 or 2 minutes.

6 7

Let hash cool to warm or room temperature; the flavor will develop as it cools.

Heat olive over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute´ until translucent, 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes.

Stir in parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve on or with bread.

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Tortilla de Patatas Potato Omelet

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 12 cups

10 ounces, 300 ml

Olive oil

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

All-purpose potatoes, peeled, very thin slices

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

1 2

3 ounces, 84 g

Spanish onion thinly sliced

cup

4

Eggs, lightly beaten

PROCEDURE

1

Heat olive oil over medium heat, until a piece of potato dropped in the oil jumps, 275◦ F (135◦ C).

2

Add potatoes to hot oil and cook until lightly browned and crispy around edges, 10 minutes. Remove from heat, strain potatoes from oil, and reserve oil.

3 4 5 6 7 8

Season potatoes with half the salt and set aside.

9

Flip tortilla when edges are cooked but the center is not completely set. Place a plate on top of the pan and gently flip tortilla onto the plate. Slide tortilla back into pan and continue cooking over low heat for 1 minute longer. Pan may need additional oil before returning tortilla.

10

Reheat oil and add onions; cook over medium heat until golden brown, 8 minutes. Strain onions, set aside, and reserve oil. Combine egg, potatoes, and onions. Add reserved oil to a 6-inch (15 cm) saute´ pan over medium heat. Heat oil until it just begins to smoke, add egg mixture. Shake pan 10 to 15 seconds, then cook 30 seconds without moving pan. Lower heat and cook 2 to 3 minutes until a crust has formed.

Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold.

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RECIPES

Gambas al Ajillo Sizzling Garlic Shrimp

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Large shrimp (26 to 30 ct), in shell

To taste 1 cup

Coarse salt 8 ounces, 240 ml

Olive oil

5

Garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 2

Small dry red chile (arbol), crumbled

2 tablespoons

Flat-leaf parsley, minced

For serving

Bread

PROCEDURE

1 2

Pat shrimp dry and sprinkle with salt.

3 4 5 6

Add chile and stir for 30 seconds.

Combine olive oil and garlic over medium-low heat until oil is hot and garlic begins to sizzle gently. Cook until garlic is very fragrant but not colored, 2–3 minutes; reduce heat if necessary. Add shrimp; cook, stirring, until shrimp are just cooked, about 3 minutes. Season with salt to taste, stir in parsley, and cook 15 seconds. Serve with bread.

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Rape con Romesco Monkfish with Romesco Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces, 336 g

Monkfish fillet or any meaty fish

5 2 tablespoons

Bay leaves, dry or fresh 1 ounce, 30 ml

To taste 2 cups

SERVES 4

Olive oil Salt and white pepper

16 ounces, 480 ml

Romesco sauce (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Clean fish of any membrane and cut 5 incisions about 1 inch apart in the fillet; do not cut all the way through.

2 3

Insert a bay leaf into each slot.

4

Remove bay leaves and discard. Slice fillet into 1-inch (2.5 cm) medallions; season with salt and white pepper.

5

Place medallions on romesco sauce and drizzle with olive oil to serve.

Heat oil over medium high heat and saute´ fillet until lightly browned on each side, 3 to 4 minutes. Set fish aside to cool.

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RECIPES

Romesco Sauce Catalan roasted-vegetable sauce. YIELD: 2 CUPS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1

Red bell pepper

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

1

Ripe plum tomatoes Garlic head, halved

1 1 2

INGREDIENT

cup plus 2 tablespoons

6 ounces, 180 g

Whole Spanish onion

5 ounces, 150 ml

Olive oil ˜ Nora chile peppers or any dried sweet chili pepper

3 1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Blanched almonds

1 2

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

White bread, crust removed

1 2

Sherry vinegar

1 tablespoon

ounce, 15 ml

1 teaspoon

´ (Spanish sweet paprika) Pimenton

To taste

Salt

PROCEDURE

1 2

Heat oven to 350◦ F (176◦ C).

3

˜ Cover nora chile peppers with enough hot water to cover; soak 15 minutes. Strain and remove seeds.

4 5

Puree chiles until smooth. Pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve and set aside.

6 7 8

Toast the bread until it is a nice brown color.

Toss red bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, and onion with 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) olive oil; place on baking sheet and roast until all are soft, 25 minutes. Let vegetables cool; peel and seed pepper; peel onion; seed tomatoes; peel garlic.

Heat 1 tablespoon ( 12 ounce, 15 ml) oil over medium low heat, saute´ almonds 1 minute or until lightly toasted; remove from pan to stop the cooking. ˜ Saute´ the pureed nora over medium heat 30 seconds; remove from heat ˜ ´ Place cooled peeled vegetables, almonds, toasted bread, pureed nora, vinegar, pimenton, and remaining oil in a blender. Blend to a thick sauce; add salt.

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Sopa de Ajo Castilian Garlic Soup Chef Tip

SERVES 4

Traditionally the eggs are poached right in the soup, but they can be poached ahead of

time. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 90 ml

Olive oil

6 1 2

Garlic cloves, sliced thin cup

2 cups

2 ounces, 56 g

Serrano ham or prosciutto, minced

4 ounces, 112 g

Day-old country bread without crusts, 1 12 inch (3.75 cm) dice

2 teaspoons 5 cups

Smoked sweet Spanish paprika 40 ounces, 1.2 l

Chicken stock

To taste

Salt and pepper

4

Garlic cloves, smashed to a paste

4

Poached eggs

1 tablespoon

Flat-leaf parsley, minced

PROCEDURE

1

Heat olive oil over low heat; add garlic and ham. Cook, stirring, until garlic is very fragrant but not brown, 4 to 5 minutes.

2 3 4

Add bread, stirring to coat with oil; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add more oil if the pan is dry.

5 6 7

Season with salt and pepper, add garlic paste, and cook 1 minute.

Remove from heat and add paprika; toss the bread to coat evenly. Return pan to heat and add stock. Increase heat to medium and simmer about 7 minutes or until bread swells but still holds its shape. Ladle soup into warm bowls, top each with a warm poached egg and parsley. To eat, break the poached egg, stirring the yolk into the soup; the egg will cook slightly from the heat and thicken the broth.

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RECIPES

Fabes con Almejas Asturian Bean Stew with Clams

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Asturian beans or other large dried white beans such as cannellini, dried, sorted, soaked overnight

1 21 quarts

48 ounces, 1.44 l

Water

1

Spanish onion, peeled

1

Roma tomato

2 inch (5 cm)

Carrot piece, peeled

3 4 tablespoons

Fresh parsley sprigs 2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

To taste

Salt

16

Littleneck clams, cleaned

PROCEDURE

1

Combine soaked beans and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, occasionally removing any foam that comes to the surface.

2

Add onion, tomato, carrot; and parsley; simmer 2 hours. Every 15 minutes, add 41 cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) cold water to slow the simmering. Beans should always be covered with liquid. By the end of the cooking time the beans should be just covered with liquid.

3

Remove the vegetables and place in a food processor or blender with a 12 cup (4 ounces) of beans that are split or broken and 1 tablespoon ( 21 ounce, 15 ml) cooking liquid. Blend until somewhat smooth, pass through a fine strainer, and return to the bean mixture.

4

Add 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) olive oil to beans and season with salt. Beans should be very soft and broth creamy and starchy. Return to a simmer.

5

Heat 1 quart of water to a boil. Add 4 clams at a time until they just open, 5 to 10 seconds. Remove from water. Repeat with remaining clams.

6

Working over a bowl to collect any clam juice, use a paring or clam knife to remove clams from shell.

7 8

Strain juices and add to the beans. Serve beans topped with clams and drizzle clams with remaining olive oil.

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S PA I N

Paella Valenciana Chef Tip

SERVES 4

According to Valencian traditionalists, this is the only legitimate paella. This dish evolved

from a range of simpler rices prepared by laborers in the Levantine rice paddies and huertas (vegetable plots) with whatever could be hunted and gathered. Paella is not a pilaf or risotto; the rice is never washed or the barley stirred. It should have a crispy, caramelized, toasted bottom (called socarrat).

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 12 cups

10 ounces, 280 g

Skinless, boneless chicken thighs, 1 12 inch (3.75 cm) chunks

16 ounce, 448 g

Rabbit, bone-in, cut into small pieces

1 12

teaspoons

Smoked sweet Spanish paprika

To taste

Salt and fresh black pepper

6

Garlic cloves, minced or crushed with a garlic press

4 cups

32 ounces, 960 ml

Pinch

Chicken stock Saffron, pulverized in a mortar

5 tablespoons

2 12

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Spanish chorizo, 1 21 inch (3.75 cm) pieces

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green beans (Italian flat beans), trimmed, 1 12 inch (3.75 cm) lengths

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Cooked butter beans or baby lima beans

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, patted dry

1 2

3 ounces, 90 ml

cup

ounces, 75 ml

Pinch 2 cups

cup

Tomato, cut in half and grated on box grater, skin discarded Cayenne

14 ounces, 392 g

12 large 1 2

Olive oil

Short- to medium-grain rice Snails (optional)

3 ounces, 84 g

Red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, julienned

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Preheat oven to 425◦ F (218◦ C). Combine chicken, rabbit, 12 teaspoon paprika, salt, pepper, and half the garlic; toss well and set aside for 15 minutes. Bring chicken stock to a simmer. Add the saffron and continue to keep hot.

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RECIPES

4

Using only one burner, place 4 tablespoons (2 ounces, 60 ml) olive oil in a 14-inch (53.6 cm) paella pan over medium heat until oil begins to smoke.

5 6 7

Add chicken and rabbit; brown, 6 to 7 minutes.

8

Add remaining oil to center of paella pan, add remaining garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

9

Add tomatoes to center of the pan, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring, until tomato is thickened and reduced, 5 to 6 minutes.

10

Toss tomato mixture with meat and vegetables, add remaining paprika and cayenne; stir to combine.

11 12

Add rice to pan and stir to coat. Add hot stock.

13

Transfer paella pan to oven and bake until the rice is tender but still al dente, about 15 minutes. Check and sprinkle with more stock if necessary.

14

Remove paella from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and let stand 5 minutes. Uncover and let stand 10 minutes; flavors will develop as it rests.

15

Garnish with roasted peppers and serve.

Add chorizo; cook 2 minutes. Add green beans, butter beans, and artichokes; toss until vegetables begin to take on color, 5 minutes. Move all items to the edge of pan.

Place pan over two burners, stir in snails if using, and shake pan to distribute rice evenly. Cook over medium low heat until the cooking liquid is almost level with the rice, 6–8 minutes; rice will still be soupy. Move and rotate pan so the liquid cooks evenly. If liquid is absorbed too fast and the rice seems raw, add a little more stock.

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S PA I N

Espinacas a` la Catalana Spinach Catalan-Style

SERVES 4

Catalans enjoy cooking with dried fruits. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Sweet apple (golden delicious), peeled,

1 4

cup

1 2

Pine nuts

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Dark raisins

10 ounces, 280 g

Baby spinach, washed

5 cups

ounce, 14 g

To taste

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and white pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2

Heat oil over high heat; add apples and brown lightly, about 1 minute.

3

Add spinach and toss; saute´ until it begins to wilt, then remove from heat; it will continue to cook.

4

Correct seasoning and serve.

Add pine nuts and cook until they are light brown, 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add raisins.

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RECIPES

Pera Salsa de Caramelo al Caf´e Pears with Caramel-Coffee Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

4

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Anjou, Bosc, or Comice pears, medium, not too ripe

3 tablespoons

Granulated sugar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Butter, broken into bits

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Heavy cream

1 teaspoon

Confectioner’s sugar

1 tablespoon

Coffee extract or strong espresso

1 8

Vanilla extract

teaspoon

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Preheat oven to 425◦ F (218◦ C).

4

Bake 35 minutes or until tender and sugar has caramelized. Check for tenderness by piercing with the point of a knife. If necessary, cook an additional 5–10 minutes.

5

Add 34 cup (6 ounces, 180 ml) cream, coffee extract or espresso, and continue to cook for 10–15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes. The cream should have reduced to sauce consistency and taken on an ivory color. Remove from oven and cool to lukewarm.

6 7

Whip remaining cream with confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract.

Peel and split pears lengthwise, remove seeds, and core. Place flat side down in a gratin dish; do not overlap. Sprinkle with sugar and top with butter.

Serve with sauce and whipped cream.

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S PA I N

Gazpacho Sevillano Classic Gazpacho Chef Tip

SERVES 4

The original mortar-pounded gazpachos were coarse in texture; modern Spanish cooks

prefer a smooth soup.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Day-old country bread, crust removed, 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes

1

Garlic clove, minced

Pinch

Ground cumin

To taste

Salt 1 2

4 cups

24 ounces, 672 g

Tomatoes, very ripe, peeled, seeded,

1 cup

5 ounces, 140 g

Kirby (pickling) cucumber, peeled,

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Italian frying pepper, Italianelles or cubanels (long, green peppers, sweet and tender with thin skin), 14 inch (.6 cm) dice

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Red bell pepper,

2 tablespoons 1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 4

cup, more if needed

2 ounces, 60 ml

Water

1 12

Aged sherry vinegar

1 12

tablespoons, more to taste

ounces, 45 ml

To taste

Spanish onion,

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (1.2 cm) dice

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 2

ounce, 14 g

1 4

1 4

1 2

inch (.6 cm) dice

Freshly ground pepper

Garnishes 2 tablespoons

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Cucumber,

2 tablespoons

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Granny Smith apple,

2 tablespoons

3 4

ounce, 21 g

Underripe tomato, peeled, seeded,

2 tablespoons

1 2

1 tablespoon

ounce, 14 g

1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

Green bell pepper, Basil, chiffonade

1 8

1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice 1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

inch (.3 cm) dice

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RECIPES

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Cover bread with ice cold water; soak 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess liquid.

4 5 6 7

Using a food processor, process ingredients until smooth; add olive oil while processing.

Mash garlic, cumin, and

1 2

teaspoon salt with a mortar and pestle.

Toss together tomatoes, cucumbers, Italian and red peppers, onion, soaked bread, and garlic paste. Let stand 15 minutes. Add water and vinegar, correct seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional vinegar. Cover and chill, 1 hour or more. Serve with garnishes.

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S PA I N

Pollo En Pepitoria Chicken in Almond and Saffron Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

Chicken (about 2 12 pounds; 1.3 kg), cut into 12 pieces, rinsed, patted dry, excess fat trimmed

1 To taste

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Olive oil

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Whole blanched almonds

5

Garlic cloves

6

Whole black peppercorns

1 4

SERVES 4

cup

Flat-leaf parsley, minced 1 4

2 cups

8 ounces, 228

Onion,

1 12 inch

1 2.5–5 cm

Cinnamon stick

3 4

6 ounces, 180 ml

Dry white wine

18 ounces, 540 ml

Chicken stock

cup

2 14

cup

inch (.6 cm) dice

2 teaspoons

Saffron, pulverized in a mortar and steeped in 3 tablespoons hot water

1 4

teaspoon

Ground cloves

1 3

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

2 1 4

Lemon slices, paper thin, cut in half, seeds removed Eggs, hard-cooked, yolk and whites separate

cup

Almonds, slivered, toasted

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Season chicken and let stand 10 minutes.

4

In a mini food processor or mortar, grind almonds, garlic, peppercorns, and parley to a paste, set aside.

5

Reheat oil over medium-high heat and brown chicken on all sides, 5–8 minutes. Remove and reserve.

6

Return only two tablespoons of oil to medium-low heat; add onion and cinnamon stick and cook slowly until onions are very soft, 10 minutes.

Heat oil over medium heat; add whole almonds and cook 2 minutes until lightly colored. Add garlic and cook with almonds until both are golden brown, 2 minutes. Remove from fat onto paper towels to drain, reserve oil. 2 3

of the

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RECIPES

7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14

Return chicken to pan, add wine and stock, and bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Add almond paste, saffron, and cloves; cover and reduce heat to medium low and simmer, covered, until chicken is tender, 30 minutes, turning pieces every 10 minutes. At the end of the 30 minutes, stir in lemon slices and cook 10 minutes. Check for tenderness and correct seasoning. Remove chicken pieces and keep hot. Chop egg white for garnish. Mash egg yolks and whisk 3 tablespoons (1 12 ounces, 75 ml) cooking liquid. Return cooking liquid to a boil and reduce to by 13 , 2–4 minutes. Stir in mashed egg yolk and cook 3–4 minutes; sauce will thicken somewhat. Return chicken pieces, coat with sauce, and reheat. Serve chicken with sauce on top, garnish with slivered almonds, chopped egg white, and remaining parsley.

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S PA I N

Ensalada con Higos, Cabrales, y Granada Mesclun, Figs, Cabrales, and Pomegranate AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 1 2

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Medium-size pomegranate teaspoon

4 12 4 12

Honey

teaspoons

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

Fresh lemon juice

teaspoons

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

High-quality red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 2

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

cup

ounce, 14 g

8

Shallots, minced Olive oil Purple figs, trimmed, quartered lengthwise

4 cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Mesclun, rinsed, dried, loosely packed

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Pine nuts, toasted

cup

To taste 1 3

cup

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 ounces, 56 g

Cabrales or other blue cheese, crumbled

PROCEDURE

1

Cut pomegranate into quarters. Remove seeds from 3 of the pieces and place in a bowl; pick out and discarding any membrane.

2

Working over a sieve, press the juice from the remaining pomegranate quarter into a separate bowl. Add honey, lemon juice, vinegar, and shallots; slowly whisk in the olive oil. Correct seasoning.

3 4

Broil fig quarters cut side up until they look caramelized and lightly charred, 4–5 minutes.

5

Toss in cheese and serve.

Combine figs, pomegranate seeds, mesclun, and toasted pine nuts, toss with dressing, and season with salt and pepper.

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RECIPES

Merluza en Salsa Verde Hake in Green Sauce

SERVES 4

If available, use a cazuela that just fits the fish. Cazuelas are terra cotta casserole dishes, and have been used in Spain for thousands of years. AMOUNT

MEASURE

8 2 tablespoons

INGREDIENT

Manila clams, medium size 1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

1

Garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon

All-purpose flour 12 ounces, 336 g

Hake, skin on, cut into 4 pieces

To taste

Salt

1 tablespoon

Flat-leaf parsley, minced

1 21 tablespoons

3 4

ounce, 23 ml

Crisp dry white wine

PROCEDURE

1

Bring 1 quart (32 ounces, 960 ml) water to a boil. Add 4 clams at a time and cook 10–15 seconds or until they just open. Remove and repeat with the other four clams. Working over a bowl to collect juices, remove the clams from the shells and discard shells.

2

Heat oil over low heat, add garlic, and cook until it just begins to jump, 45 seconds; do not brown. Add flour.

3 4

Season fish with salt and place skin side down in pan. Add parsley.

5

Add clams, clam juices, and white wine. Cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes; do not boil liquid.

6

The natural gelatins of the fish will emulsify with the oil, making a light green sauce. Correct seasoning and serve 1 piece of fish, 2 clams, and sauce for each portion.

Moving pan in a constant circular motion, cook 3 to 4 minutes. Turn fish over and repeat on second side, 3 to 4 minutes. Maintain a low temperature.

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S PA I N

Cerdo Cocido con la Fruta Seca Braised Pork with Dried Fruit

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 pounds

896 g

Boneless pork shoulder roast, trimmed of excess fat and tied

To taste

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

2

Garlic cloves, chopped fine

3 tablespoons

1 12

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

ounce, 45 ml

Olive oil Onions,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Carrot,

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Pearl onions, peeled

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Kirsch or brandy

cup

1 12

10 ounces, 300 ml

Full-bodied dry high-acidity red wine

2 cups

cups

16 ounces, 480ml

Beef or chicken stock

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Pitted dried sour cherries

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Dried apricots, quartered

1 1 12

Bay leaf inch

1 2.5–5 cm

Cinnamon stick

2

Fresh rosemary sprigs

As needed

Saffron rice or boiled potatoes

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Preheat oven to 325◦ F (162.7◦ C).

4

Add pork and sear to a rich brown color, 8 minutes. Add remaining oil if needed. Transfer to a holding platter.

5 6

Add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and pearl onions; brown well, 6–7 minutes.

Season pork roast with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) olive oil over medium-high heat until almost smoking.

Add kirsch and reduce to almost dry, 1 minute.

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RECIPES

7 8 9 10 11

Add wine, stock, cherries, apricots, bay leaf, cinnamon, and rosemary sprigs and bring to a simmer. Return pork to pan. Cover tightly and transfer to oven. Cook until very tender, about 1 hour, turning every 30 minutes. Remove pork from braising liquid; keep warm. Remove and discard bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and rosemary sprigs; bring liquid back to boil and reduce to sauce consistency, 3 to 5 minutes. Correct seasoning. Remove string, slice pork, and serve with the sauce and saffron rice or boiled potatoes.

Arroz con Leche Rice and Milk

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

10 cups

80 ounces, 1.4 l

Milk

1 inch

2.5 cm

Lemon zest

1 21

1 2.5–5 cm

Cinnamon stick

1 cup

inch

6 14 ounces, 175 g

Arborio rice or any short-grain rice

4 tablespoons

2 ounces, 60 ml

Butter

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Granulated sugar

PROCEDURE

1

Combine milk, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

2

Stir in rice, reduce heat to low, and simmer 30 minutes, stirring constantly so rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

3 4

Add butter and simmer 5 minutes.

5

Serve at room temperature or cold.

Add sugar and stir briskly. Remove from heat and spread rice out on a platter. Let rest; as it cools the milk will develop a thin skin on top. Fold back into the rice before serving.

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The Middle East The Land The Middle East is at the junction of trade routes connecting Europe and China, India and Africa, and all the cultures of the Mediterranean basin. Many of these routes have been documented from as early as five thousand years ago, and the presence of so many different people and products over the years has had a profound effect on the region’s culture, politics, and economy. More specifically, the Middle East is a term used to describe the area covering sixteen countries and states: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza Strip, and Yemen. The Middle East region represents an area of over five million square miles. The physical geography of the Middle East is varied. Vast deserts are common in the region. The Sahara Desert runs across North Africa, essentially limiting settlement to along the Mediterranean coastline and in Egypt along the Nile River. The desert of the Arabian Peninsula is so inhospitable that it has been given the name “Empty Quarter.” In areas better served by rainfall and rivers (for example the Tigris-Euphrates river system, the Jordan River, and along the Mediterranean coast), rich agriculture is abundant. Mountain ranges exist throughout the Middle East, with some peaks rising as high as 19,000 feet. Geography and natural resources have always influenced political power in this region. The Nile River and the rivers of the Mesopotamian region (now modern Iraq, and extending north into Syria and Turkey) can support a rich agricultural base, but only if the water supply is sustained and controlled through irrigation systems. Mesopotamian farmers used Persian Gulf seawater to irrigate for centuries, and, as a result, much of southern Iraq’s soil is now too

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H I S TO RY

salty to grow crops. Agriculture in the region now relies on modern practices like fresh water irrigation, crop rotation, and technologically sophisticated dam projects. Today, the wealth in Middle Eastern soil comes not from crops but from petroleum. This region contains about two-thirds of the world’s known petroleum reserves. When the United States and Europe increased their consumption of oil drastically during World War II, the oil reserves in the Middle East became critically important to U.S. foreign policy, and have remained so ever since.

History The Middle East is the most ancient region of human civilization. The rich, fertile soil of the Middle East led early civilizations to settle, domesticate plants and animals, and thrive. The Fertile Crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers known as Mesopotamia was the home of the world’s first urban culture, the Sumer, six thousand years ago. The Sumerians’ Egyptian rivals took advantage of the annual flooding of the Nile for their regular harvest, later exporting a large portion of their produce to the Roman Empire. Some time later, the Hittites settled in the rolling hills of Anatolia (modern Turkey) and the Phoenicians off the eastern Mediterranean (modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel). Over the years many different great civilizations and cultures developed from or invaded the area. The list of ancient empires includes the Egyptians (c. 2000–1000 B.C.); the Assyrians and Babylonians (c. 1000–500 B.C.); the Persians (c. 550–330 B.C.); and the Romans (c. 60 B.C.–140 A.D.). During the first millennium B.C. through the middle of the second millennium A.D., a vast network of trade routes known as the Silk Road linked the people and traditions of Asia with those of Europe. These historic routes, covering over five thousand miles of land and sea, were a major conduit for the transport of knowledge, information, and material goods between East and West and resulted in the first global exchange of scientific and cultural traditions. In modern times the Ottoman Empire (c. 1300–1923) became the largest political entity in Europe and western Asia. The Safavid Empire (1501–1736) dominated the area of modern Iran. The Middle East has been the center of more than twenty major conflicts from the Persian-Greek Wars to the Crusades to the Iran-Iraq War. After World War I, the decline and disbursement of the Ottoman Empire marked the beginning of a new stage of conflict over territory centering around the lands of Palestine. While today about 92 percent (292 million) of the people are Muslim, the Middle East is the geographic and emotional center of three of the world’s most influential religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Black Sea

Ankara TURKEY

Izmir

Adana Tehran

SYRIA LEBANON Baghdad ISRAEL WEST BANK GAZA IRAQ

Cairo

Bakhtaran

JORDAN

KUWAIT

EGYPT

Esfahan Al Basrah

IRAN

Shiraz Persian Gulf BAHRAIN

Riyadh

QATAR

Aswan

Gulf of Oman

Muscat

U. A. E.

Makkah (Mecca)

SAUDI ARABIA

Arabian Sea

Red Sea

OMAN YEMEN Sanaa

Gulf of Aden

The Middle East

The People The people of the Middle East belong to various ethnic groups, which are based largely on culture, language, and history. Ethnically, more than three-fourths of the Middle Eastern people are Arabs. Although they live in different countries, Arabs share a common culture and a common language, Arabic. Iranians and Turks also form major ethnic groups in the region. Smaller groups in the Middle East include Armenians, Copts, Greeks, Jews, Kurds, and various black African groups.

The Food Originally, Arabic food was the food of the desert nomads—simple and portable. Nomads stopped in oases and settled farming areas to get some of their food, such as flour for bread, fruits, vegetables, and spices. They brought animals with them to provide meat and milk, and

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THE FOOD

they cooked over campfires. During the early Middle Ages, Islamic empires spread from the Atlantic Ocean to India. The world of Islam would continue to expand to other areas of the world in later centuries. It was not uncommon for an exchange of foods from the various territories to occur. As the people settled in villages, towns, and large cities, the food was no longer only that of the desert nomads. Flat bread was made along the caravan routes and in the nomads’ camps. Made from wheat flour, water, and a little salt, the dough can be flattened and shaped by hand and put on a flat pan over a fire. Dates come from the date palm tree, which grows in the hottest desert oases, and are one of the most important foods of the Middle East. Sheep were the most important source of milk, used for cheese and yogurt, and mutton and lamb continue to be the most popular meat in Arabic cuisine. Goats were also raised for meat and milk. Beans and grains such as garbanzo beans, fava beans, and lentils were dried and carried on the nomads’ travels. Other dried fruits such as grapes, dried apricots, figs, and nuts were an important part of the diet. Familiar spices and herbs like cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, hot red and green peppers, allspice, ginger, mint, parsley, bay leaves, basil, dill, rosemary, garlic, and onions were and still are used frequently. It is a shared history, including that of two great world empires, which has brought unity to the kitchens of the Middle East. The spread of Islam and the establishment of an enormous Islamic state stretching across Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean was the most important factor in the development of a gastronomic tradition comparable to that of France and China. As the state grew, Arabs brought to each new region their own tastes as well as those of the countries they had already conquered. Cooking styles traveled with the massive migrations of people; large-scale transport brought into the cities, and even into distant parts of the Middle East, local produce from the desert, olive oil from Syria, dates from Iraq, and coffee from Arabia. Crops such as rice, sugar, hard wheat, eggplant, spinach, pomegranates, and even grapes are all part of the Arab heritage. The Ottoman Turks had significant influence in the Balkans, responsible for little cakes called turbans and puff pastry croissants found in the shape of the Turkish crescent. Certain cooking methods, like cooking skewered ingredients over charcoal or long, slow simmering in unglazed covered pots, are typical of the whole region. Skewering meats, chicken, or fish kebabs is believed to have been developed by the Turks on the field of battle. All the countries have rice and wheat dishes, stuffed vegetables, pies wrapped in paperthin pastry, meatballs, thick omelets, cold vegetables cooked in oil, scented rice puddings, nut-filled pastries, fritters soaked in syrup, and many other common elements. One of the most important parts of a meal in many parts of the region is the mezeh, which can be anything from half a dozen saucers of appetizers to a spread of fifty dishes, a veritable banquet. A basic selection will include raw carrot sticks, radishes, lettuce hearts, cucumber, and green pepper slices along with salted nuts, olives, crumbly goat’s cheese, green onions, sprigs of mint and mountain thyme, pickled turnips and peppers, strained yogurt (labneh) topped with golden olive oil, and the national specialties: hummus bi tahini, baba ghannouj, and tabbouleh. In the

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center, in reach of all, will be a stack of the puffy hollow rounds of flat Arab bread or sheets of the paper-thin mountain bread. Bread is torn to make scoops for the dips and to wrap small pieces of meat and vegetables. It can also serve as a plate, tablecloth, and napkin. Hummus bi tahini is a paste of chickpeas flavored with sesame seed oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Baba ghannouj is a smoky dip of eggplant that has been charred over a flame and whipped with the same flavorings to a fluffy consistency. These dips are swirled into a saucer and garnished with whole chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, a sprinkling of paprika, or sprigs of cress or mint. Tabbouleh is a salad composed of chopped parsley, onions, tomatoes, and mint leaves mixed with softened cracked wheat kernels (bulgur) and dressed with lemon juice and a little oil. Iranian cuisine is considered to be the most refined. Fragrance during cooking and at the table plays as important a role as taste. Iran was first to use many common herbs such as basil, mint, cumin, cloves, and coriander. The foods of the courts of ancient Persia (as Iran was called until the 1930s) included perfumed stews flavored with cinnamon, mint, and pomegranates; elaborate stuffed fruits and vegetables; and tender roasted meats. Many different foods originated in or were introduced by Iran, such as oranges, pistachios, spinach, saffron, sweet-and-sour sauces, kabobs, and almond pastries. The domesticated goat is believed to have originated in Persia since the goat’s ability to subsist in sparse vegetation made it ideal for domestication by nomads. Wheat, barley, and rice are the most important Iranian crops. Long-grain rice, grown in moist areas bordering the Caspian Sea, has a place of honor, often prepared with a golden crust formed from clarified butter, saffron, and yogurt. Lamb and chicken are marinated and grilled as kebabs, or mixed into stews called khoreshes with fruit and sour ingredients such as lime juice. Pickles and flatbreads are served at every meal. Desserts feature rose water and pistachios, and refreshing drinks called sharbats are made from diluted fruit and herb syrups. On the Mediterranean shore are the great network of rivers—the Euphrates, Tigris, Orontes, and Jordan—that irrigate the valleys and plains of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq. Known as the Fertile Crescent, this region is a vegetarian’s paradise, with a seasonal procession of fruits and vegetables, cereals, golden olive oil, and fragrant herbs. Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan have much the same style of cooking. Rice and cracked wheat are the primary grains. Syria’s finest food is found in the city of Aleppo. Distinctly local foods are muhammara, a spicy paste eaten like hummus but made of the city’s renowned hot pepper, pomegranate juice, and ground walnuts; a seasonal kebab in a sauce of stewed fresh cherries, called kababbi-karaz; and varieties of kibbe made with sumac and quince. Aleppo’s famous pistachios are used in many sweets—rolled in doughs and smothered with syrup, or embedded in sweet gelatin. There is a wide variety in the Jordanian style of cooking. The authentic Jordanian cuisine can range from grilling (shish kababs, shish taouks) to stuffing of vegetables (grape leaves, eggplants, and so on), meat, and poultry. Also common in the Jordanian style of cooking is roasting, and/or preparing foods with special sauces. Jordan’s most distinctive dish is mansaf, a Bedouin dish often served for special occasions. Mansaf consists of Arabic rice, a rich broth made from dry sour milk ( jameed), and either lamb or chicken. It is also considered the greatest

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symbol in Jordanian culture for generosity and the level of generosity is determined by the amount of lamb presented. Utensils are not commonly used when eating mansaf. Guests feast from the communal dish using their hands. Lebanon is nestled along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea at the very crook of the Fertile Crescent. Its contributions to Middle Eastern cuisine are unmistakable. The flavors that spice the foods of all the surrounding lands can be found here in abundance: olive oil, lemon, garlic, and mint. Lebanese cuisine features such staples as kibbeh (ground lamb with bulgur wheat) and tabbouleh. The food is simply prepared, with the flavors blending together into a complex medley of earthy, fruity tastes and scents. With so much coastline and varying climatic conditions, Turkey has always had an abundance of fresh produce and fish, making for a varied diet. Turkey’s geographical location made it a natural route for traders, travelers, and migrants, all of whom influenced Turkish cuisine. Since the Turkish sultan had complete control over the Spice Road, many spices and seasonings were adapted to flavor traditional dishes. The climatic and geographical differences within the country also heavily influence regional cooking, from desert-like heat in the southeast, where the food tends to be spicier and meat dishes such as kebabs are common, to temperate fertile zones to the west, where seafood and olive oil are frequently used ingredients. Then there is the eastern region, with its long cold winters where dairy, produce, honey, cereals, and meat are popular. Turkey is discussed in more detail in the next chapter. The modern state of Israel is an ancient land that has been a formal nation only since 1948. Its citizens hail from over eighty countries. It is truly a culinary and ethnic melting pot. The majority of its population arrived from Eastern European countries such as Russia, Poland, and Hungary, and Middle Eastern and North African countries such as Morocco and Syria. There is also a sizable population originally from Greece. Jewish culinary traditions are ancient and strong. From the rituals of the Passover Seder to fasting at Yom Kippur, many of these observances date back to biblical times. Yet while Jews as a people have endured for over three thousand years, the modern state of Israel is still relatively young. That fact, and the uncertainty and instability associated with the Palestinian conflict, have made it difficult for a truly national Israeli cuisine to develop and flourish. Israeli cuisine was formed according to the availability (or lack) of certain foods. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful and are included in virtually every meal. Dairy products, including different types of yogurt and soured milks and creams, are also a major part of the Israeli diet. Red meat is rarely eaten, partly because the lack of quality grazing land for livestock produces a lower grade of meat. Turkey and chicken are a major part of the Israeli diet. Cholent is a traditional stew served on the Jewish Sabbath, which is observed from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Because the oven in a religious home cannot be lit after sundown on Friday, cholent simmers overnight in a warm oven turned on before the Sabbath begins. Various types of cholent reflect the traditional foods of the different Jewish ethnic groups. Moroccan Jews, for example, use beef, spices, chickpeas, and potatoes, while Sephardic Jews include beans, meat, potatoes, and eggs. Kugel, a noodle casserole that is a traditional food among Eastern European Jews, is also a Sabbath favorite because it can be left overnight in a warm oven and be ready for the meal on Saturday.

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Another factor that plays a significant role in the Israeli menu is the dietary laws of the Jews and Muslims. Jewish kashrut dietary laws were developed during early times. Food prepared according to these rules is called kosher, or “proper.” Jews are prohibited from eating pork, so lamb, mutton, and beef are the preferred meats. The consumption of blood is also forbidden, so meats must be butchered and prepared using a process of salting and curing, in order to remove all traces of blood. Meat and dairy are never mixed in the same dish or even, according to some interpretations, in the same meal. Orthodox homes maintain two separate sets of utensils and dishes, one for meat and one for dairy. The very wealthy may even have two separate kitchens. With regard to seafood, it is forbidden to eat anything without scales. That means no shrimp, shellfish, squid, or octopus. There are varying degrees of adherence to kashrut laws in modern Israel. While one finds strict fidelity among the Orthodox population, it is not uncommon to see only partial or no observation among secular Jews. Throughout the Mediterranean Middle East, the cultures and people have intermingled, and carried with them their foods and traditions. In no other place in the world is there such a blending of cultures that has mingled so much, yet maintained their distinct, national flavors.

Glossary Aleppo Pepper Sweet and sharp chile from the Aleppo region of Syria, with moderate heat that

doesn’t overpower the fruity flavor of the pepper. As a substitute, combine an equal amount of crushed, hot red pepper with Spanish paprika. Arabic Bread (Khubz Arabi, Pita) Flat, round bread, which can be easily split to make a sand-

wich, or broken apart and used as a utensil for scooping food. Ataif (Gatayef, Kataif) Small pancakes stuffed with nuts or cheese and doused with syrup. Aysh abu Laham Something like pizza, made from leavened dough, egg-rich and flavored with seeds of fennel, and black caraway. It is baked in the shape of a thick-bottomed pie shell, filled with fried mutton, chopped kurrath, or spring onion, and topped with a sauce made from tahina (Saudi Arabia). Baba Ghanoush (Baba Ganouj or Baba Gannoujh) A puree of char-grilled eggplant, tahina, olive

oil, lemon juice, and garlic, served as a dip. Baharat (Bjar) Arabic mixed spices; in Egypt a mixture of ground cinnamon, allspice, and

cloves often used with meat. In Morocco, a mixture of ground cinnamon and rosebuds. Baklawa (Baklava) Dessert of layered pastry filled with nuts and steeped in honey-lemon syrup. Usually cut into triangular or diamond shapes. Bukhari Rice Lamb and rice stir-fried with onion, lemon, carrot, and tomato paste.

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Bulgur Also known as bulghur, burghul, bulger, bulgar, wheat groats (Arabic, Armenian, Turkish,

British), kernels of whole wheat are steamed, dried, and then crushed to make bulgur. The process involved to make bulgur is what gives it a fine, nutty flavor. It requires no or little cooking; it is typically used in tabbouleh and mixed with lamb in kibbeh. Cardamom Aromatic spice, used to flavor Arabic coffee, yogurt, and stews. Cardamom is an essential ingredient in that ubiquitous symbol of Arab hospitality, coffee. In the Arabian Peninsula, coffee is usually a straw-colored brew, made from lightly roasted beans, lavishly perfumed and flavored with crushed, large green cardamom pods, and served unsweetened in miniature handleless cups in a stream of generosity that ends only when the guest’s thirst is satisfied. As it is one of the world’s most expensive spices, cardamom’s generous use is intended as an honor. In addition, coffee brewed from dark-roasted beans, and usually prepared with sugar, is drunk occasionally. That brew is sometimes spiced with a little ground cardamom seed as well. Cardamom is not limited to coffee; its pleasant, camphor-like flavor combines well with any food or beverage, hot or cold. The seedpods, slightly crushed, are a standard spice in the traditional Arabian dish kabsah, a lamb-and-rice stew, and it is a common ingredient in fruit desserts. Native to southern India, the spice traveled the short distance to the Arabian Peninsula along the Silk Road. The plant is a member of the ginger family, grows to a height of six to eight feet, and produces its aromatic seed pods on curly panicles at its base. Chai Black tea brewed with selected spices and milk. Each ingredient adds subtle flavor

changes and brewing methods vary widely. Chelo Cooked (steamed) rice. Chelo Kebah Rice, grilled marinated lamb, egg yolk, spices, and yogurt. National dish of Iran. Cheeses Akawi or Akawieh Made from sheep’s milk, with complex flavor. It is a hard cheese used

primarily as a table cheese. Baladi Soft-white, smooth, creamy cheese with a mild flavor. Eaten for breakfast as well as snacks with fresh bread or crackers. Feta Curd cheese that dates back thousands of years and is still made by shepherds in

the Greek mountains with unpasteurized milk. Originally made with goat’s or sheep’s milk, but today much is often made commercially with pasteurized cow’s milk. The milk, curdled with rennet, is separated and allowed to drain in a special mold or a cloth bag. It is cut into large slices (feta means “slice”) that are salted and packed in barrels filled with whey or brine, for a week to several months. Feta cheese is white, usually formed into square cakes, and can range from soft to semi-hard, with a tangy, salty flavor that can range from mild to sharp. Its fat content can range from 30 to 60 percent; most is around 45 percent milk fat.

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Halloumi A mild-flavored, creamy-tasting chewy textured cheese that is most often served cooked. Halloumi is usually made with sheep’s milk and may be flavored with mint. Jibneh Arabieh A simple cheese found all over the Middle East. It is particularly popular in Egypt and the Arabian Gulf area. The cheese has an open texture and a mild taste. The heritage of the product started with Bedouins, using goat’s or sheep’s milk; however, current practice is to use cow’s milk to make the cheese. Jibneh Arabieh is used for cooking, or simply as a table cheese. Kenafa An unsalted, very fresh, soft cheese that melts easily and freely. It is used to make

the popular knafe. It can also be used as a base for other sweet cheese desserts. Labane A cheese shaped into small balls, very popular in the Middle East. Made of sheep’s

or goat’s milk and is eaten young, almost liquid in form. Labenah (Labneh) Thick creamy cheese, made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, made by drain-

ing soured milk or yogurt. Soft texture and a tangy flavor, often spiced and used as a dip. Naboulsi A salty, fresh, brined cheese popular in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. The cheese is packed in brine. Testouri From Egypt shaped like an orange, made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, eaten fresh

and lightly salted. This cheese was introduced into North Africa by the Ottomans after the fifteenth century. Tzfatit A delicate, salty cheese. One of Israel’s most popular cheeses, its flavor is especially

delectable when served with slices of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and herbs such as zatar. Coriander (Cilantro) Lacy, green-leaf relative of the parsley family with an extremely pungent

flavor akin to a combination of lemon, sage, and caraway. Couscous Small, grainlike semolina pasta. Dibbis Date syrup, an Iraqi sweetening agent made by boiling dates and draining. Resembles thick brown molasses. Dried Limes Lends a bright tang to stews, some varieties of kabsah, and fish dishes. The limes

may be used whole and fished out of the dish before serving, or pounded to a fine powder. To make your own dried limes, boil the small round variety of lime vigorously for a few minutes, then dry them in a sunny or otherwise dry and warm place for several weeks until they turn brown and feel hollow. Falafel Small deep-fried patties made of highly spiced ground chickpeas. Fatayer Pastry pockets filled with spinach, meat, or cheese.

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Fattoush A salad of toasted croutons, cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint. Fenugreek Leaves Leaves with a pleasant bitter flavor, used fresh or dried, used in soups and

stews (Iran; shambabileh in Persian). Fillo Consists of thin sheets of unleavened flour dough. They are layered with butter and baked to make flaky pies and pastries. The layers of fillo dough can be as thin as paper or a millimeter or so thick. Fillo is used in many of the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire. (Phyllo to the Greeks and yufka to the Turks.) Gyros (Sandwich) Meat cooked on a rotisserie, sliced in thin shavings and served traditionally with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki in pita or plain bread. Halwa (Halva) Sesame paste; sweet, usually made in a slab and studded with fruit and nuts. Hamour Red Sea fish from the grouper family. Hummus (Hommus) Spreadable paste made of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Jarish Crushed wheat and yogurt casserole. Kabsa Classic Arabian dish of meat mixed with rice. Kamareddine Apricot nectar used to break the fast during Ramadan. Kebab Skewered chunks of meat or poultry cooked over charcoal or broiled. Khubz Marcook Thin, dome-shaped Arabic bread. Kibbeh (Kibbe) The national dish of Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan; there are countless versions,

some widely known throughout the Middle East. It always involves a mixture of minced lamb, grated onion, and fine-ground bulgur pounded to a paste. Kibbeh Naye Raw kibbeh, eaten like steak tartar. Kofta Fingers, balls, or a flat cake of minced meat and spices. May be baked or charcoal-grilled ¯ on skewers. The word kofta is derived from the Persian word kufta, meaning “meatball.” Kouzi Whole lamb baked over rice so that the rice absorbs the juice of the meat. Kunafi (Kunafah) Shoelace-like pastry dessert stuffed with sweet white cheese, nuts, and syrup. Lahma Bi Ajeen Arabic pizza. Ma’amul Date cookies shaped in a wooden mould called a tabi. Mahlab Spice obtained from the dark kernels inside the pits of small wild black cherry trees.

It has been used for centuries in the Middle East as a sweet/sour, nutty addition to breads, cookies, and pastries.

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Kosher and Halal Kosher and halal describe what is “fit and proper” to eat for two groups of people, Jews and Muslims, according to religious law. Although these terms are used to describe a wide array of foods and beverages that are acceptable to eat, the most significant laws refer to meat. Both of these food laws have their roots in Old Testament scripture, and Torah for kosher and the Quran for halal.

KO S H E R

HALAL

Blessing of animals

Blessing before entering slaughtering area, not of each animal

Blessing of each animal while slaughtering

Preparation of meat

Soaked and salted to drain all blood

No special preparation; blood drained during slaughtering

Gelatin

From kosher animals

From halal bones only

Dry bones

From kosher animals

From halal animals only

Fish

From kosher fish only

From any fish

Pork

Pork is forbidden

Pork is forbidden

Fish and other seafood

Permitted except fish that do not have fins and scales (e.g., catfish, eels, rays, sharks, swordfish) shellfish (e.g., oysters, clams), crustaceans (e.g., crab, lobster), and mollusks (e.g., scallops) not permitted

Permitted

Alcohol

Permitted, except for grape derivatives such as wine, brandy, or some liqueurs; alcohol must be certified kosher before permitted

Not permitted

Combining dairy and meat products

Not permitted

Permitted

Special occasions

Additional restrictions during Passover

Same rules apply all the time

Mastic The resin exuded from the bark of a small evergreen shrub closely related to the pistachio tree; it is best known in the West today for its use in such products as varnish and paint, but cooks in Arabia continue their centuries-old custom of enjoying its unique, fresh, resinous aroma and flavor in meat soups and stews and in puddings. Mastic melts into the food rather than dissolving, so it is best to pulverize the translucent light-yellow lumps before adding them. Mastic is one of the many ingredients used in the popular shawurma,

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an elaborate construction of marinated meat, fat, and flavors, which rotates on a vertical spit placed close to a fire. Mehshi Means stuffed. Eggplant, zucchini, vine leaves, or cabbage may be stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and onions. Melokhiyyah Green spinachlike vegetable. Mezze (Mezza, Meze, Mezzah) The Arabic word for appetizer (small plates). Mouhammara A mixture of groundnuts, olive oil, cumin, and chiles, eaten with Arabic bread. Moutabe Eggplant dip made with tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mutabak Sweet or savory pastry turnovers usually stuffed with cheese, banana, or meat. Nutmeg The seed of a large evergreen tree native to the Spice Islands (the Moluccas) of what is now Indonesia. The fleshy yellow, peach-like fruit of this tree splits open when ripe, revealing the nutmeg encased in a dark-brown shell, which in turn is wrapped in a bright red net, or aril; this aril is the spice mace. Nutmeg has long been in popular use in Middle Eastern cuisine, as in the rest of the world, both as a flavoring and a medicine; however, its medicinal properties have caused it to be classified officially as a drug and it is therefore banned in Saudi Arabia today. Very large quantities of nutmeg can produce hallucinations followed by ferocious headaches, and an overdose can be lethal. Orange-Blossom Water (Mai Qedda) Produced from the blossom of the sour-orange tree, it

contributes a delicate perfume to syrups and pastries. Pomegranate Seeds The juicy, shiny pink seeds of the fresh fruit, used as garnish. Pomegranate Syrup (Molasses or Concentrate) Made from the juice of sour (not sweet) pomegranates boiled down to thick syrup. Prominent in Iranian and Syrian cooking. Rakwi Long-handled coffee pot. Rose water (Mai Ward) Distilled essence of rose petals, used to scent syrups and pastries. Rosewater is one of the earliest distilled products ever made, and its manufacture has been an important industry in the Middle East for about 1,200 years. Rosewater and orange-blossom water are added to food simply for the pleasure their fragrance gives, rather than for flavor. Saffron The highly prized red saffron threads are the pistils of a particular purple crocus grown

in Iran, Kashmir, and Spain. Saffron is used in a variety of ways in Persian and Moroccan cooking. This spice, the world’s most expensive, is made up of the stigmas of an autumnflowering crocus native to the Middle East. The stigmas and parts of their styles are dried to brittle red threads, which, when ground, yield a yellow powder. Each flower has only three tiny stigmas, and as many as 80,000 flowers are needed to produce a pound of spice. Most

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of the saffron in trade today comes from Spain, where it was introduced by the Arabs in the eighth or ninth century. Sahlab (Salep) The root tuber of a type of orchid used in powder form to thicken milk and

flavor hot drinks and ice cream. Sahlab is very expensive. Sambusek (Sambusak) Triangular pies filled with meat, cheese, or spinach. Samneh (Ghee) Ghee is the classic shortening of India and the Middle East. It is simple to

make and it keeps forever even in the hot climate. In the Middle East it is called samneh. The solids are removed from butter. Seleek Meat and rice dish in which the rice is cooked in milk rather than the juice of the meat. Sesame Seeds The pale, small seeds of a tall herb grown in many parts of the Middle East are

extremely important to the cuisine of the region. The seeds are pressed to extract a high-quality oil; lightly toasted; they add their nutty flavor to a large number of breads and pastries, or provide a tasty coating for sweet Medina dates stuffed with almonds. Tahini, a paste made from sesame, is mixed with mashed chickpeas, garlic, and lemon juice to make hummus. Sesame seeds mixed with honey are a nutritious, sweet snack. The seed pods of this plant (except for modern commercial varieties) burst open suddenly and forcefully when the seeds are ripe, scattering them widely. Shaour Red Sea fish from the emperor family. Shawarma (Shawerma) A cone of layered pressed lamb, chicken, or beef roasted on a vertical

spit where the meat is shaved off from the outside as the spit keeps turning. Saudi Arabia’s most popular sandwich is Arabic bread filled with shawarma meat, salad, hot sauce, and tahina. Shaybah Also known as “old man’s beard,” a tree lichen found in the Arabian Peninsula whose complex, bitter, metallic flavor is popular in meat and vegetable stews. A small piece of curly black-and-silver lichen will flavor a large pot of stew. Shourba Soup. Sumac (Sumac) A dark, wine-colored spice with an astringent sour flavor, made from the

coarsely ground dried berries of the sumac shrub. Iranians, Iraqis, Lebanese, and Syrians use it frequently. It is often sprinkled on kebabs, salads, and fish dishes. Powdered dark-red sumac berries provide a pleasant lemony spice that tastes especially good on meats such as shish kebabs. Although it is produced by a small Mediterranean/Persian tree related to the poisonous sumac of North America, and it is sometimes used in tanning leather, the acid of these berries is in no way harmful. Sumac was mentioned nearly two thousand years ago in the writing of Dioscorides, a Greek physician serving in the Roman army, as having healthful properties; Dioscorides says it was “sprinkled among sauces” and mixed with meat. Modern-day

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eaters find it excellent on pizza. Sumac is also generally considered an essential ingredient in the spice mixture za’tar. Tabbouleh A salad of bulgur, tomato, mint, and parsley. Tahini An oily paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is used raw, in dips and salads, and

cooked, in sauces. Tahrini A brass coffee grinder. Taklia A spice consisting of ground coriander and garlic. Tamarind (Tamarhendi) The name is derived from the Arabic for “Indian date.” The pulp of the

long brown seed pods of the tamarind tree yields an extremely viscous syrup with a distinctive sour flavor that is excellent in vegetables, meat, and fish dishes. Tamarind syrup makes a delicious and refreshing cold drink, prepared like lemonade with water and sugar. This spice is not as exotic in the West as it may seem at first; tamarind is an ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. Tamr Dates. Taratour A thick mayonnaise (water emulsified) of pureed pine nuts, garlic, and lemon, used

as a sauce or dip. Turmeric The rhizome or underground stem of a ginger-like plant, almost always available

ground into a bright yellow, fine powder. Turmeric is used extensively in the East and Middle East as a condiment and culinary dye. It has an earthy and slightly acrid bouquet; its flavor is warm and aromatic with a bitter undertone. Tzatziki Strained yogurt and cucumbers seasoned with onion and garlic. Um Ali “Ali’s mother” is a pastry pudding with raisins and coconut steeped in milk. Zattar (Zahtar) Wild thyme. It is also the name of a mixture of this herb with sumac, salt, and toasted sesame seeds. It is made by combining 1 part ground dried thyme, 1 part lightly toasted sesame seeds, 41 part sumac, and salt to taste. Zereshk Called barberries in English, these are tart red berries used dried in Persian cooking.

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Menus and Recipes from the Middle East M E N U

O N E

Hummus Bi Tahini: Chickpea and Sesame Dip Fatayer Sbanikh: Triangle Spinach Pies Tabbouleh: Cracked Wheat and Herb Salad Khobz: Whole Wheat Flat Bread Kukuye Mohi: Fish Omelet Bamia: Lamb and Okra Casserole Muaddas: Rice with Lentils Khoshaf: Dried Fruit Compote Qahwah: Arabic Coffee M E N U

T W O

Borani Chogondar: Beet and Yogurt Salad Falafel: Dried Bean Croquettes Khubz (Khoubiz): Arabic Flat Bread Baba Ghannouj (Moutabal): Eggplant Dip Morgh Polou: Chicken with Rice Adas Bis Silq: Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup Baklawa “Be’aj”: Fillo and Nut Pastries M E N U

T H R E E

Muhammara: Red Pepper and Walnut Dip Besara: Broad Bean Puree Samke Harrah al-Sahara: Baked Fish with Hot Chile Sauce Shurabat al Kibbeh: Kibbeh Soup Fattoush: Toasted Bread Salad Nane Lavash (Taftoon): Flat Bread Tapauch Ets Im Mits Tapuzim: Apples in Orange Juice Tan: Yogurt Drink

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RECIPES

Hummus Bi Tahini Chickpea and Sesame Dip

YIELD: 3 CUPS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

14 ounces, 392 g

Garbanzos (chickpeas), cooked, separated from their skins; drained and rinsed if canned

1 3

cup

2.66 ounces, 80 ml

Tahini

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Fresh lemon juice

2

Garlic cloves, crushed

To taste

Salt

For serving 1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Olive oil

1 teaspoon

Parsley, chopped

Sprinkle

Cayenne pepper or paprika

PROCEDURE

1

Combine garbanzos (reserve 1 tablespoon), tahini, 14 cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor using a metal blade. Process until thick and smooth. Adjust flavor with lemon juice and salt. Adjust consistency with a little water.

2

Serve in a shallow dish, swirling with back of spoon to cover the dish. Pour olive oil in the center, garnish with reserved chickpeas, chopped parsley, and a sprinkling of paprika or cayenne.

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Fatayer Sbanikh Triangle Spinach Pies AMOUNT

YIELD: ABOUT 15 TRIANGLES

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 12 teaspoons

8g

Dry yeast

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Warm water

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

4 cups

16 ounces, 448 g

All-purpose flour

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Olive oil

6 cups

12 ounces, 336 g

Fresh spinach, leaves and small stems, washed

3 tablespoons

1 12

Olive oil

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 48 g

Onion,

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Pine nuts or chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon

15 g

Sumac*

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Dough

cup

Spinach Filling

1 4

ounces, 45 ml

teaspoon

To taste * If

1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

Fresh lemon juice Nutmeg Salt and freshly ground black pepper

not using the sumac, increase lemon juice to taste.

PROCEDURE

Dough

1 2 3 4

Soak yeast in warm water for 5 minutes.

5 6

Knead for 10 to 15 minutes until the dough is soft and not sticky.

Combine salt and flour. Add oil to water and yeast mixture; stir to combine. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and gradually add yeast mixture, combining as you add the liquid. Cover and let rise in a warm place 1 to 1 12 hours or until double in size.

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Spinach Filling

1 2

Chop spinach finely.

3

When wilted, turn into a colander and press with the back of a spoon to remove as much moisture as possible.

4 5 6

Heat olive oil over medium heat and cook onion until transparent, 2 minutes.

7

Punch down dough and roll out on a lightly floured board until into 4 inch (10.2 cm) squares; cover any unused dough.

8

Place a tablespoon of spinach filling in center of each square and fold corner to corner and pinch tightly. Press edges firmly with fingertips to seal pies completely.

9

Place close together on lightly oiled baking pans and brush each parcel with additional olive oil. Bake in a 350◦ F (180◦ C) preheated oven 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

10

Cook spinach in a dry nonreactive deep pan, uncovered, until wilted and almost dry, about 4 minutes. Stir often.

Add spinach and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer. Add pine nuts, lemon juice, and seasoning. Cook an additional 5 minutes or until moisture has evaporated. Cool.

Serve hot or warm.

1 4

inch (.6 cm) thick. Cut

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Tabbouleh Cracked Wheat and Herb Salad

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

3.5 ounces, 98 g

Bulgur wheat, fine

1 14 cups

cup

10 ounces, 300 ml

Cold water

1 14

2.25 ounces, 63 g

Flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

cups

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 48 g

Green onions, coarsely chopped

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Mint, coarsely chopped

tablespoons

1.5 ounces, 45 ml

Olive oil

tablespoons

3 4

2 12 1 12

ounce, 23 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

1 2

teaspoon

3g

Black pepper, freshly ground

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded

4

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Romaine leaves

1 4

cup

1 2

teaspoon

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fresh lemon juice Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Cover bulgur with cold water; soak 30 minutes. Drain through a fine sieve, pressing with back of a spoon to extract moisture. Spread out on a lined pan to dry further.

2

Wash parsley, shake off excess, and remove thick stalks. Wrap in cheesecloth and refrigerate for 30 minutes to dry and crisp.

3 4 5

Combine dry bulgur and green onions; squeeze mixture so bulgur absorbs onion flavor.

6 7

Gently stir in tomato; cover and chill 1 hour or more.

Chop parsley, measure, and add to bulgur with mint. Combine olive oil, 1 12 tablespoons ( 34 ounce, 23 ml) lemon juice, 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt, and black pepper; add to bulgur and toss well. Serve with romaine. Combine remaining lemon juice and salt to serve on the side, to be added according to individual taste.

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RECIPES

Khobz Whole Wheat Flat Bread

YIELD: 6 ROUNDS

Whole wheat: Whole grains that have been milled to a finer texture rather than leaving the grain intact become whole wheat. Whole wheat contains all the components of the grain, so whole wheat foods are also whole grain. Whole wheat bread and rye bread are typical examples of products made with whole wheat. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 21 cups

6 ounces, 168 g

Whole wheat flour

1 2

teaspoon

3g

Salt

1 2

cup

As needed

Tepid water Oil

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Combine flour and salt.

4 5

Cover and rest for at least 2 hours.

6 7

Cover and rest rounds 20 minutes.

8

Put in a round of dough and cook for about 1 minute, pressing top lightly with a folded cloth to encourage even bubbling of dough. When browned on the first side, turn and cook 1 minute or until bread looks cooked.

9

As breads are cooked, wrap in a cloth to keep soft and warm. Rub cooking surface occasionally with oil.

Add water and work to a soft dough. Knead for 10 minutes. Dough will feel slightly sticky at first but will become smooth as it is kneaded. Divide dough into 6 even-sized balls the size of a large egg; roll out to 6-inch (15 cm) diameter rounds. Dough should be shaped without flour; dust lightly with white flour if needed. Heat a heavy frying pan or flat griddle. Cooking surface is hot enough when a little water sprinkled on bounces off the surface. Rub surface with a little oil.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Kukuye Mohi Fish Omelet

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces

336 g

White fish fillets, skinless, boneless

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Samneh (clarified butter)

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Onion,

1 2

teaspoon

3g

Turmeric

1 tablespoon

5g

Coriander leaves, finely chopped

1 tablespoon

15 g

All-purpose flour

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

4

Large eggs

To taste

Black pepper, freshly ground

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Preheat oven to 350◦ F (180◦ C).

4

In the same pan, add the onions and cook 3 minutes until transparent. Stir in turmeric and cook 2 minutes. Mix into fish with coriander and flour.

5 6

Beat eggs well with a pinch of salt. Add to fish mixture and season with pepper.

7

Pour in egg mixture and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Top should be slightly brown.

8

Unmold onto serving platter and serve hot or cold, cut into wedges.

Salt fish fillet and let sit 10 minutes. Heat half the samneh over medium heat and saute´ fish until cooked; fish does not have to brown. Remove, flake with a fork, and remove all bones.

Heat remaining samneh in an 8-inch (20 cm) nonstick cake pan or casserole dish; swirl to coat base and sides.

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RECIPES

Bamia

Lamb and Okra Casserole

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Samneh (clarified butter)

12 ounces

336 g

Boneless stewing lamb, 1 14 inch (3 cm) dice

3 4

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Cumin, ground

2 3

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

1 tablespoon

1 2

Tomato paste

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

cup

ounce, 14 g

To taste 1 2

teaspoon

1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Lamb, beef, or chicken stock Salt and black pepper

2g

Granulated sugar

12 ounces

336 g

Fresh okra

1 tablespoon

1 2

Samneh (clarified butter)

ounce, 15 ml

As needed

Ta’leya I (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Heat 2 tablespoons samneh over medium heat and brown meat on all sides. Transfer to another container as meat browns.

2

Reduce heat and add onions to the same pan the meat was browned in and cook 2 to 3 minutes until transparent. Add cumin, tomatoes, tomato paste, and cook 1 minute.

3 4 5

Add stock and stir well to collect browned sediment. Return meat to pan, correct seasoning, and add sugar. Cover and cook in a moderately slow oven or on top of stove for 1 12 hour or until meat is almost tender.

6 7

Prepare okra, remove stem, leave whole.

8 9

Arrange okra on top of meat; cover and cook until okra and meat are tender.

Heat remaining samneh (clarified butter) over medium heat and saute´ okra 3 minutes, tossing as needed. Prepare ta’leya and pour while hot over bamia. Serve at the table from the cooking dish.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Muaddas

Rice with Lentils

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Basmati (quality long-grain) rice

1 2

3.5 ounces, 98 g

Brown or green lentils

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Samneh (clarified butter)

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Boiling water

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

cup

cup

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

PROCEDURE

1 2

Pick over rice and wash in several changes of cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.

3

In a heavy, deep pan heat the samneh over medium high heat and saut´e the onions until transparent and lightly browned.

4 5

Add rice and lentils; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often.

6

Remove cover and cook 5 minutes longer. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Pick over lentils to remove small stones and discolored seeds. Put in a bowl of water and remove any that float. Wash lentils well and drain thoroughly.

Add boiling water and salt; return to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and simmer gently 25 to 30 minutes.

Ta’leya I: Garlic Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

4 1 2

INGREDIENT

Garlic cloves teaspoon

2 tablespoons

3g

Salt

1 ounce, 30 ml

Samneh (clarified butter)

1 teaspoon

Coriander, ground

Pinch

Hot chile pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2

Crush garlic with salt in a mortar to make a garlic paste. Heat samneh in a small pan and add garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown; remove pan from heat and stir in coriander and pepper. Use while sizzling hot.

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RECIPES

Khoshaf

Dried Fruit Compote

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Prunes, pitted, coarse chopped

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Dried apricots, coarse chopped

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Sultanas (white raisins)

As needed 1 3

cup

Water to cover 2.3 ounces, 9.4 g

Granulated sugar

1

Thin strip of lemon rind

2

Cloves

1 4

teaspoon

2 tablespoons

Allspice, ground 1 2

ounce, 14 g

Walnuts, chopped

PROCEDURE

1 2

Wash dried fruits well.

3

Add sugar, lemon rind, and spices. Stir to dissolve and add water if necessary. Simmer gently, uncovered, until fruit is soft but not mushy, and syrup is thick. Remove lemon rind and whole spices.

4

Chill well before serving. Serve in dessert glasses sprinkled with chopped nuts.

Place in a pan with cold water just to cover. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, and cook over low heat 15 minutes.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Qahwah

Arabic Coffee

SERVES 4

Chef Tip

Cardamom has a very strong flavor, and too much of it can cause a soapy taste.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

1

INGREDIENT

Cardamom pods

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Water

1 4

1 2

Dark roast ground coffee beans

cup

ounce, 14 g

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Bruise cardamom pods. Combine all ingredients and bring to boil. Serve in Arabic coffee cups, half filled.

Traditionally a little silver urn of rose water or orange blossom water accompanies the coffee, so a few drops may be added to individual taste. Sugar is not generally served.

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RECIPES

Borani Chogondar Beet and Yogurt Salad SERVES 4

Chef Tip

To make drained yogurt, place yogurt in cheesecloth, tie with string, and suspend from a fixed object over a receptacle to collect draining liquid. Hang for 2 to 4 hours, depending on initial thickness of yogurt. When drained, yogurt should have the consistency of softened cream cheese. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Beets, mixed red and golden, if available

1 21 cups

12 ounces, 360 ml

Drained yogurt

To taste

Salt and pepper

To taste

Vinegar or fresh lemon juice (optional)

1 tablespoon

Fresh mint, chopped

For garnish

Fresh mint leaves

PROCEDURE

1 2

Preheat oven to 400◦ F (205◦ C). Rinse beets, leaving on roots and 1 inch (2.5 cm) of stems. Bake, covered, with 14 inch (.6 cm) water, 25 to 40 minutes or until beets can be easily pierced with a knife. Cool.

3 4

When the beets are cool enough to handle, peel and dice

5 6

Blend in mint; cover and chill.

1 4

1 2

inch (1.3 cm).

Reserve about cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) diced beets. Mix remainder into yogurt with salt and pepper to taste. Sharpen the flavor with vinegar or lemon if desired. Serve garnished with reserved beets and mint leaves.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Falafel

Dried Bean Croquettes

YIELD: ABOUT 35 CROQUETTES

Chef Tip

Favas have a wonderful flavor, but if you can’t find them, dried white beans, such as

cannellini or navy, can be substituted. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Fava beans (broad beans), dried and shelled, soaked overnight and drained

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Garbanzo beans (chickpeas), dried, soaked overnight, and drained

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

cup

2 1 2

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves cup

2 tablespoons 1 8

1 4

1 ounce, 28 g

Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

6g

Cilantro leaves, finely chopped

teaspoon

Hot chile pepper, ground

1 teaspoon

4g

Coriander, ground

1 2

teaspoon

2g

Cumin, ground

1 teaspoon

4g

Baking soda

To taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper Oil for deep-frying

As needed

Taratour bi tahini (recipe follows)

As needed

Khoubiz (Arabic flat bread; see recipe on page 438)

PROCEDURE

1

Combine fava beans, chickpeas, onion, and garlic and grind twice in food grinder using a fine die, or process in food processor to form a coarse paste.

2

Combine with remaining ingredients except oil and tahini. Knead well and let rest for 30 minutes. Correct seasoning.

3

Shape a tablespoon of the mixture at a time into balls, then flatten into thick patties 1 12 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Let rest 30 minutes at room temperature.

4

Deep-fry in two inches of oil at 375◦ F (190◦ C), 6 to 8 at a time; cook 4 to 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Falafel should be toasty brown and crunchy on the outside. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

5

Serve hot as an appetizer with taratour bi tahini or in split khoubiz with the same sauce and salad vegetables.

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RECIPES

Taratour bi Tahini AMOUNT

Y I E L D : A B O U T 1 12 C U P S

MEASURE

2 1 2

cup

1 1 4–2 1 2

INGREDIENT

Garlic cloves, crushed with

cup

cup

To taste

4 ounces, 120 ml

Tahini

2–4 ounces, 60–120 ml

Cold water

4 ounces, 120 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 2

teaspoon salt

Salt

PROCEDURE

1 2

Using a food processor, combine garlic and tahini until smooth.

3

Add all the lemon juice and enough water to give a thin or thick consistency, depending on the use. Correct seasoning; flavor should be tart.

Beat in a little water and lemon juice alternately. The water thickens the mixture; lemon juice thins it.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Khubz (Khoubiz)

Arabic Flat Bread

YIELD: ABOUT 10 6-INCH KHUBZ

Chef Tip

To cook in a saute´ pan, preheat pan on highest heat with lid on. When heated, oil the

base of the pan quickly and slide in the dough. Cover and cook 3 minutes, remove lid, turn bread over, re-cover, and cook 2 minutes. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Warm water

2 teaspoons

8g

Active dry yeast

4 cups

16 ounces, 448 g

Bread flour

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Warm milk

cup

As needed

Olive oil

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5 6

Set a pizza stone on the bottom rack of a preheated 500◦ F (260◦ C) oven.

7

Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Punch down dough and cut in half. Cut each half into 5 pieces, roll them into balls, then flatten into 6-inch rounds; cover. Let rise until puffy, 25 minutes.

8

Rub stone with oil and then slide dough rounds a few at a time onto it. Bake for 4 to 5 minutes until it puffs up like a balloon. To brown, turn quickly and leave for one minute. Remove bread and wrap in a cloth to keep warm and soft.

Combine warm water and yeast; let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. In a mixer, food processor, or by hand, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and then the warm milk; work to form dough. On a lightly floured surface, knead one minute. Form the dough into a ball. Lightly oil a bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and turn to coat; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

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RECIPES

Baba Ghannouj (Moutabal) Eggplant Dip

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 medium

12 ounces, 336 g

Eggplant

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Tahini

2

Garlic cloves

2 teaspoons or to taste

10 g

Salt

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Olive oil

1 4

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Flat-leaf parsley, chopped fine

cup

As needed

Khoubiz (Arabic flat bread; see recipe on page 438)

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Grill eggplant or roast in a hot oven, turning often; cook until soft.

4 5

Blend in

6 7

Beat in olive oil and parsley. Do not puree the parsley.

Peel off skin while hot and remove stem and end if still firm. Chop flesh and pound to a puree in a mortar with pestle, or puree in a blender or food processor. 3 4

of the lemon juice and gradually add the tahini.

Crush garlic to a paste with 1 teaspoon salt and add to eggplant. Beat well; adjust flavor with more lemon juice and salt. Serve with khoubiz as an appetizer.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Morgh Polou

Chicken with Rice

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 12 to 3 pounds

1.15–1.4 kg

Chicken, cut into 8 pieces

To taste 1 4

Salt and black pepper

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Samneh (clarified butter)

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Dried apricots, coarsely chopped

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

1 2

teaspoon

1 4

cup

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Sultanas (white raisins) Cinnamon, ground

2 ounces, 60 ml

Water

8 cups

64 ounces, 1.89 liters

Water

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Salt

2 cups

14 ounces, 392 g

Basmati (quality-long grain) rice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 30 ml

Samneh (clarified butter)

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 30 ml

Water

1 2

teaspoon

Saffron threads

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Wipe chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season. Heat half the first quantity of samneh and brown chicken well on all sides. Remove. Add remaining samneh to same pan and saute´ onion until transparent. Add fruit and cook 5 minutes over low heat. Stir in cinnamon and add

1 4

cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) water to deglaze pan.

Wash rice until water runs clear; drain. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil, add salt and rice, stir, and return to boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Pour immediately into a large sieve or colander and drain. Combine second quantity of samneh and 41 cup water; bring to boil. Pour half into pan the rice was cooked in and swirl to coat base and sides. Spread half the partly cooked rice in base of pan, and even out with back of spoon. Place chicken pieces on top of rice. Spread apricot mixture over chicken and top with remaining rice and samneh mixture.

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RECIPES

12

Cover top of pan with clean doubled tea towel or 2 paper towels, place lid on tightly, and cook over low heat (or in the oven) for 40 minutes or until chicken is tender. The cloth absorbs the steam and makes the rice fluffy and light.

13

While polou is cooking, boil 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) water and mix with saffron. Leave aside to steep.

14

Just before serving, sprinkle saffron liquid over rice and stir in gently. Serve piled on a platter.

Adas Bis Silq Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Brown lentils

4 cups

32 ounces, 960 ml

Cold water

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Onion,

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

4 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Swiss chard leaves, washed, shredded coarsely

1 4

1 2

Cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

cup

ounce, 14 g

To taste 3 tablespoons

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 12 ounces, 45 ml

Fresh lemon juice

PROCEDURE

1

Pick over lentils to remove small stones and discolored seeds. Put in a bowl of water and remove any that float. Wash lentils well and drain thoroughly.

2

Cover lentils with the cold water; bring to boil, skimming if necessary, then cover and simmer gently for 1 hour or until soft.

3

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onions until transparent. Stir in garlic and cook for 15 seconds.

4 5

Add shredded Swiss chard to the onion mixture; cook, stirring often, until wilted.

6

Serve with lemon wedges and khoubiz or other bread.

Add onion mixture to cooked lentils, add remaining ingredients, and simmer gently, 15 to 20 minutes.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Baklawa “Be’aj”

Fillo and Nut Pastries

Y I E L D : A B O U T 2 0 PA S T R I E S

Chef Tip

The butter firms fairly quickly and it could be difficult to shape pastries if the buttered

sheets are left for a long time. It is advisable to fill and shape in lots.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 2

pound

8 ounces, 224 g

Fillo pastry

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Samneh or unsalted butter, melted

2 ounces, 56 g

Granulated sugar

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Walnuts, coarsely ground

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Almonds, coarsely ground

1 teaspoon

5 ml

Rose water

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Granulated sugar

3 4

cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Water

1 2

teaspoon

Fresh lemon juice

1 2

teaspoon

Orange flower water

1 2

teaspoon

Rose water

Nut Filling 1 1 4

Egg white cup

Atar Syrup

Garnish 1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Pistachio nuts, peeled, chopped

PROCEDURE

1

Stack 10 sheets fillo dough on a flat surface, keeping any reminder covered with a dry towel, then a damp towel on top.

2

Brush top sheet of stack with melted butter, lift sheet, and replace on stack, buttered side down. Brush top with butter, lift top two sheets, and turn over on stack. Repeat until all 10 sheets are buttered, lifting an extra sheet each time. Top and bottom of finished stack should remain unbuttered.

3

Cut stack into 4-inch (10 cm) squares. Stack and cover. Prepare any remaining sheets.

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RECIPES

Baklawa ‘Be’aj’ – Fillo and Nut Pastries and Khoshaf – Dried Fruit Compote

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THE MIDDLE EAST

4

Beat egg white until stiff and beat sugar in gradually. Fold in walnuts, almonds, and rose water.

5

Butter top of fillo square and place a tablespoon of nut mixture in the center. Gently squeeze into a lily shape, with four corners of square as petals and filling in center.

6 7

Place in a buttered baking pan close together.

8

To make syrup, dissolve sugar in water over high heat, add lemon juice and orange flower water, and bring to boil. Boil 15 minutes, remove from heat, add rose water, and cool.

9

Spoon cool thick syrup over hot pastries. Leave until cool and sprinkle pistachio nuts in center.

Bake at 350◦ F (180◦ C) for 30 minutes; reduce to 300◦ F (150◦ C) and cook 15 minutes longer.

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RECIPES

Muhammara Red Pepper and Walnut Dip AMOUNT

MEASURE

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

1 pound

448 g

Red bell peppers

1 2

2 ounces, 56 g

Walnuts, coarsely ground

cup

2 tablespoons

Bread crumbs or sesame cracker crumbs

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Pomegranate molasses

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 2

teaspoon, plus more for dusting

Cumin, ground

1 2

teaspoon

Aleppo pepper, or 14 teaspoon crushed red pepper or red chile paste

To taste 1 tablespoon

Salt and pepper 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Olive oil

PROCEDURE

1

Roast bell peppers over gas flame or under broiler, turning until blackened and blistered. Wrap with film or place in a bag to steam 10 minutes to loosen the skin. Let cool slightly; remove skin, membranes, stems, and seeds. Allow to drain.

2 3

Combine walnuts and bread crumbs in a food processor and process until finely ground.

4 5

Chill at least two hours.

Add bell peppers, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, cumin, and aleppo or crushed red pepper; blend until creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and aleppo or crushed peppers. Serve with a dusting of ground cumin and a drizzle of olive oil.

445

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Besara

Broad Bean Puree

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

3 cups

18 ounces, 504 g

Broad beans (fava), cooked, skin removed

To taste

Salt and pepper

2 teaspoons

Dried mint

Garnish Ta’leya II (recipe follows) Olive oil Chopped onion Lemon wedges

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Pass the beans through a sieve or puree in a food processor. Add enough hot water to give the beans a dip consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper and add mint; simmer 5 minutes. Serve hot in small bowls, garnishing each with ta’leya. Serve with a cruet of olive oil, chopped raw onion, and lemon wedges.

Ta’leya II AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Onions, thin semicircle cuts

2

PROCEDURE

1 2

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onions until golden brown. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

Garlic cloves, minced

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RECIPES

Samke Harrah al-Sahara Baked Fish with Hot Chile Sauce

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1

4 pound, 1.81 kg

Snapper or other baking fish, cleaned, scaled, head on but eyes removed

As needed 1 2

cup

Salt 4 ounces, 120 ml

4

Olive oil, for frying Garlic cloves

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 4

cup

1 2

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Cold water

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Tahini

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

Fresh lemon juice

cup

1 1 4–2

ounce, 14 g

teaspoon

Cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Hot chile pepper

1 tablespoon

Pine nuts

For garnish

Lemon wedges and coriander sprigs

PROCEDURE

1 2

Preheat oven to 350◦ F (180◦ C).

3

Heat all but 1 tablespoon oil in large saute´ pan and fry fish on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Do not cook through. Remove from oil and place in baking dish.

4 5

Mash garlic with 1 teaspoon salt, and mix in cilantro.

6

Gradually add water to tahini, beating constantly. Mixture will thicken, then add lemon juice gradually and stir in garlic mixture and chile pepper to taste.

7

Pour sauce over fish, covering fish completely. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until fish is cooked through and sauce is bubbling.

8 9

Toast pine nuts in reserved tablespoon oil until golden brown.

Slash snapper in 2 places on each side. Sprinkle inside and out with salt; cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Pat dry before cooking.

Remove all but 2 tablespoons fat from saute´ pan and reheat. Add garlic mixture; fry until mixture is crisp but not burnt. Cool.

Lift cooked fish onto platter and spoon sauce on top. Sprinkle with pine nuts and garnish with lemon wedges and coriander sprigs.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Shurabat al Kibbeh Kibbeh Soup

S E RV E S : 4

Kibbeh AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Bulgur wheat

11 ounces

308 g

Lean lamb

1 3

1.5 ounces, 42 g

Onion, chopped

cup

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 2

teaspoon

Black pepper

1 3

teaspoon

Allspice Ice water or ice chips

PROCEDURE

1

Cover bulgur with cold water and let soak 10 minutes. Drain in a sieve and press with back of spoon to remove as much moisture as possible. Lay out flat and chill 1 hour.

2 3

Trim all fat and fine skin from lamb; cut into cubes. Chill 1 hour.

4 5

Pass through grinder twice, adding a little ice water if necessary to keep mixture cold.

Pass meat through a food grinder twice, using fine die. Grind onion twice and combine with meat, bulgur, salt, pepper, and allspice. Knead to a smooth, light paste with hands, adding ice water when necessary. Cover and chill.

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RECIPES

Soup AMOUNT

MEASURE

As needed

INGREDIENT

Kibbeh mixture

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Pine nuts

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Samneh (clarified butter)

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

4 cups

32 ounces, 960 ml

Water or stock

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 small piece

Cinnamon strck

To taste

Salt and pepper

1 3 1 4

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Short-grain rice, washed

cup

1 2

Parsley, chopped, for garnish

ounce, 14 g

PROCEDURE

1

Shape kibbeh into balls the size of a walnut. Make a hole in each, insert two pine nuts, and re-form into balls.

2

Heat samneh and brown kibbeh balls, shaking pan so they keep the round shape and brown evenly. Remove and leave fat in pan.

3 4

Add onion to pan and saute´ until soft, 3 to 5 minutes.

5

Remove to a soup pot and add remaining liquid, cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste, and rice.

6 7 8 9

Bring to boil, stirring occasionally; simmer, covered, 10 minutes.

Add 1 cup water or stock and bring to boil, scraping bottom of the pan to get all the drippings.

Add kibbeh balls; cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Correct seasoning. Serve with parsley sprinkled on top.

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Fattoush Toasted Bread Salad AMOUNT

MEASURE

1 6-inch

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Khoubiz, toasted golden brown, 6 ounces, 168 g

Romaine, shredded or broken into small pieces

3 4

cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Cucumber, peeled,

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

1 3

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onion, chopped

cup

1 2

ounce, 14 g

3 tablespoons 3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Green bell pepper,

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Salad dressing (recipe follows)

Combine all ingredients and toss with salad dressing.

Salad Dressing MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1

Garlic clove

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Olive oil

To taste

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Flat-leaf parsley, chopped

PROCEDURE

AMOUNT

1 2

Fresh mint, chopped

As needed

Black pepper

PROCEDURE

1

inch (1.2 cm) dice

3 cups

1 3

1

1 2

Mash garlic with salt and stir in remaining ingredients.

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RECIPES

Fattoush – Toasted Bread Salad

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THE MIDDLE EAST

Nane Lavash (Taftoon) Flat Bread

YIELD: 4 ROUNDS

The only difference between the breads is the size. Nane lavash is the better-known Persian bread, but it is very large. Taftoon is the same dough shaped in smaller rounds. AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 3

3 ounces, 84 g

All-purpose flour

2 cups

8 ounces, 224 g

Whole wheat flour

2 teaspoon

1 4

1 23 cups

13 ounces, 390 ml

Water

1 teaspoon

5g

Salt

cup

ounce, 7 g

Active dry yeast

Oil for handling dough

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Preheat oven to 500◦ F (260◦ C). Set a pizza stone or griddle on the center rack.

4 5

Add 1 12 cups (12 ounces, 360 ml) of the remaining water and the salt.

Sift flours together; discard any flakes left in sifter. Dissolve yeast in 14 cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) warm water. Combine warm water and yeast; let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. Combine yeast with flour and mix using a dough hook on low speed for 15 to 20 minutes, gradually adding as much of the remaining 43 cup (6 ounces, 180 ml) water as the dough will absorb. As the dough is worked, its ability to absorb water increases.

6 7

Oil your hands and divide dough into 4 equal-size pieces, shaping each into a ball.

8 9

Take round and flip across the backs of your hands to stretch it.

10

Roll out one at a time as thin as possible with an oiled rolling pin. Prick well all over with a fork or pin wheel. Oil pizza stone or griddle and press dough on to it. Close oven and cook 1 minute; pat dough down again to prevent bread puffing up. Bake until surface is bubbly, about 3 minutes; turn over and cook 2 minutes more. Remove and wrap in a cloth. Let oven regain heat and continue with remaining dough. Rolled-out dough should not rest before being baked.

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RECIPES

Tapauch Ets Im Mits Tapuzim Apples in Orange Juice AMOUNT

1 21

cups

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces, 360 ml

Orange juice, fresh

3 tablespoons

1 12 ounces, 42 g

Seedless raisins

3 tablespoons

1 12

Butter

ounces, 42 g

4 medium size

Tart-eating apples

2 teaspoons

Cornstarch

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Water

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Combine orange juice, raisins, and butter; bring to boil. Peel, core, and cut the apples in half. Add apples to orange juice; cover and simmer gently until tender and shape still holds. Blend cornstarch with water and thicken liquid. Serve warm with meal.

Tan

Yogurt Drink

Tan accompanies every Armenian meal. SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Plain yogurt

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Water

Salt

Salt

PROCEDURE

1 2

Process yogurt in blender until smooth. Add water gradually, blending as you add, until mixture reaches a drink consistency. Add salt and chill well before serving.

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Turkey, Greece, and Crete The Land TURKEY

Turkey is located on two continents, Europe and Asia, and is close to where the three continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa come together. About 3 percent of the country lies within Europe and is called Eastern Thrace. The other 97 percent of Turkey is located in Asia and is called Anatolia, or Asia Minor. Unlike some of the lands that neighbor it, Turkey is not only a Middle Eastern country; it shares a lot of history with Europe and is considered to be one of the world’s cradles of civilization. Over the centuries it has given birth to many civilizations, religions, empires, and states. Turkey is shaped like a rectangle and is similar to a peninsula. To the north is the Black Sea; to the south is the Mediterranean Sea; and to the west is the Aegean Sea. The Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles Strait divide the continents of Europe and Asia from each other within Turkey. Turkey borders the countries of Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Syria. Geographically, Turkey can be divided into eight main regions, each with its own landscape and history. The small region of Eastern Thrace has rolling hills and fertile grasslands. This region produces maize, wine, and tobacco. Herds of sheep graze on the hilly slopes. The northern Black Sea region is cattle country and people on the western part of the coast mainly live in noncommercial fishing towns. The Marmara and the Aegean regions are important agricultural markets where groves of olives and other crops thrive. The Aegean coast is home

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THE LAND

to the historical sites of Troy and Pergamum and is important from an archaeological viewpoint. The Mediterranean region has some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country with the Taurus Mountains and a rugged coastline in the east. Western Anatolia is covered with mountain ranges. Central Anatolia is considered to be Turkey’s heartland because it is where the first Turkish tribes settled in the tenth century. Eastern Anatolia is far more isolated and underdeveloped; the land is barren and poverty is common. Southeastern Anatolia shares borders with Syria, Iraq, and Iran, so there is a Middle Eastern flair to its culture. As of 1998, Turkey is the world’s largest producer of hard-shell nuts, figs, and apricots, a leader in fresh vegetables, grape, and tobacco production, and seventh in the world in wheat and cotton production.

GREECE

Like Turkey, Greece also lies at the crossroads of three continents. The country is located at the southeastern corner of Europe on the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. Continental Asia lies to the east of Greece across the Aegean Sea, and Africa lies south across the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is famous for its jagged coastline bordered by the Aegean Sea on the east, the Mediterranean Sea on the south, and the Ionian Sea on the west. In the north, Greece shares a boundary with Albania, the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Its territory includes more than 2,000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which only 170 or so are inhabited. The geography of Greece exercises an important influence upon the political destinies of its population. Greece is one of the most mountainous countries of Europe. Its surface is occupied by a number of small plains, either entirely surrounded by limestone mountains or open only to the sea. Arcadia was almost the only political division that did not possess some territory upon the coast. Each of the principal Grecian cities was founded in one of these small plains and, since the mountains that separated it from its neighbors were lofty and rugged, each city led solitary independence. Thus shut out from their neighbors by mountains, the Greeks were naturally attracted to the sea, and became a maritime people.

CRETE

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. A mountainous island, it lies south of the Aegean Sea, a link between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its unique geographical position between the three continents determined its historical course both throughout antiquity and in modern times. The island is an elongated shape. To the south it is bordered by the Libyan Sea, to the west the Myrtoon Sea, to the east the Karpathion Sea, and to the north the Sea of Crete. Its coastline, which consists of both sandy beaches and rocky shores, is framed by the small islets of Kouphonisi, Gaidouronisi, Dia, Aghioi Pantes, Spinalonga, and Gavdos in the Libyan Sea. Crete is the southernmost point of Europe.

455

Gallipoli

Lésbos

Aegean Sea

Murat Da i

Anatalya Körfezi

M e d i t e r r a n e a n S e a

T

B l a c k

ANKARA

U

S e a

R

Turkey

K

E

Y

Mount Ararat

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H I S TO RY

MACEDONIA Thássos Samothráki

ZAGORI

Ionian Sea

Mt. Olympus

Limnos

G R E E C E

Corfu

EPIRUS

A e g e a n

S e a

THESSALY

Páxos

Skíathos

SPORADES

Lésvos (Mitilini)

Alónissos

Skópelos Skýros

CENTRAL GREECE Mt. Parnassós

Kefalonía

EVVIA

Ithaca Híos

IONIAN ISLANDS

M e d i t e r r a n e a n S e a CRETE

PELOPONNESE

SARONIC GULF ISLANDS

Sámos

Ándros

Sýros S e a

o f

C r e t e

Délos Páros Antíparos Sífnos

Mýkonos Náxos

Sérifos

Kalamáta

Ikaria

Tínos

Kos

CYCLADES

Mílos Folégandros Kýthira

Íos Santorini

DODECANESE

Rhodes

Greece and Crete

History TURKEY

Archaeologists have found evidence of advanced societies living in this part of the world as early as 6000 B.C. As in many countries of the world, the years saw shifting power as one empire after another took control, and then others came along to challenge it. The first to dominate the region were the Hittites, the leading rulers of the Middle East in 1500 B.C. They were followed by the Greeks (eighth century B.C.), and the Persians (sixth century B.C.), and in A.D. 395 it became part of the Byzantine Empire. The area was conquered by the Ottoman Turks between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries and remained the core of the Ottoman Empire. Its modern history dates to the rise of the Young Turks (after 1908) and the collapse

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T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

¨ of the empire in 1918. Under the leadership of Kemal Ataturk, a republic was proclaimed in 1923.

GREECE

Greece is one of the cradles of European civilization, whose ancient scholars made great advances in philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. Its city-states were pioneers in developing democratic forms of government. The historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the world in literature, art, philosophy, and politics. The first settlement dated from the Paleolithic era (11,000–3,000 B.C.). During the second millennium B.C., Greece gave birth to the great civilizations of the Minoan, the Mycenaean, and the Cycladic on the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. The classical period of Greek history (sixth to fourth centuries B.C.) was the golden age; during this period lived the great philosophers and mathematicians. Following that period, the history of Greece is a succession of various invasions and dominations; the Macedonians formed a strong empire, followed by the Romans and the Byzantine Empire, which ended with the invasion of the Turks. The Ottoman rule lasted for four hundred years and was a dark period for the inhabitants of Greece. Wanting to finally win their freedom, Greeks started to organize themselves and various revolts exploded against their Turkish oppressors. The Independence War started in the Peloponnese peninsula in 1821 and ended in March 1831, with the establishment of the new and independent Greek state. Yet despite their illustrious history, the people of Greece are still striving to gain a role in world affairs. After enduring political and cultural oppression for centuries, their deep sense of cultural unity has preserved a rich society through occupation, wars, and political strife. In the last forty years Greece’s main economic sectors have grown to include agriculture, tourism, construction, and shipping.

CRETE

Crete’s geography defined its historical course down through the ages. Situated between three continents, it was at the junction of the major cultural currents and at the crossroads of conflicting geopolitical interests and bloody clashes. On Cretan soil were hatched and developed features of civilization that mark the history of humankind. At the same time the island paid a heavy price because of its strategic position and was repeatedly invaded and periodically conquered, which contributed to the destruction of Crete’s native civilization, the lowering of living standards, and the subsequent misery of the inhabitants. However, through successive restructuring new forms of social coexistence were forged, new intellectual values arose, and new material and cultural creations appeared that left their indelible mark on Crete and the historical role of the Cretans.

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THE PEOPLE

The People TURKEY

The people of Turkey have changed along with their country. Their beginnings were primarily in Asia. About 85 percent of Turks are descended from people who migrated to Anatolia from central Asia during the tenth century A.D. The largest minority group in Turkey is the Kurds. About ten to twelve million Kurds live in the mountainous region of southeast Turkey as well as in the west. Many Kurds would like to form their own independent state, separate from Turkey. This issue has come into direct conflict with Turkey’s plans for future development and is an ongoing battle that has yet to be solved. A small portion of the Turkish population consists of Arabs, Armenians, and Greeks. While there is no state religion and people have the freedom to choose, almost everyone who lives in Turkey is Muslim.

GREECE

The Greek people are only partly descended from the ancient Greeks, having mingled through the ages with the numerous invaders of the Balkans. Modern vernacular Greek is the official language. There is a small Turkish-speaking minority, and many Greeks also speak English and French. The Greek Orthodox Church is the established church of the country, and it includes the great majority of the population. In a country that traditionally has been poor agriculturally, making the most of meager produce has evolved from necessity to a national obsession with food. As necessity breeds innovation, Greek cuisine comprises a rich diversity of cooking styles, ingredients, and flavors. It also has a colorful history dating from antiquity and has incorporated outside elements from Italian, Turkish, and French cuisines. Vegetarianism has a long tradition in Greece and was espoused by Pythagoras, who abstained from meat for moral reasons. Even to this day, the ultra-religious abstain from meat and animal products on Wednesdays and Fridays as well as during the forty days of Lent.

CRETE

The island of Crete has been inhabited since prehistoric times. There is evidence of organized habitation dating back to 8000 B.C., and twentieth-century excavations have revealed a splendid civilization that ruled the island and much of the Aegean region during the Bronze Age. The Minoan civilization is credited as the first civilization of Europe. It began around 2000 B.C. and it lasted for about two millennia before it was replaced on the island by the Mycenaean civilization circa 1375, and then by classical and Hellenistic Greeks, who in turn

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were replaced by the Romans. The Byzantine Empire and the Venetians controlled the island for a few hundred years before the Ottoman Empire invaded the island. The Ottoman Empire ruled the island from 1645 until 1898 when the Greeks revolted and finally reunited the island with Greece in 1913.

The Food TURKEY

In history, the Turks led a nomadic life, dependent on agriculture and on the breeding of domestic animals. The word “yogurt” is Turkish in origin and the fermenting process used in yogurt is thought to have originated among these nomadic tribes. Early Turks cultivated wheat and used it liberally, in several types of leavened and unleavened breads, which are baked in clay ovens, fried on a griddle, or buried in embers. Stuffing not only pastry but also all kinds of vegetables remains common practice, as evidenced by dozens of different types of “dolma.” Skewering meat as another way of grilling, what we know as the kebab, was developed by the Turks. Turkish cuisine is full of vegetables, grains, fresh fish, and seemingly infinite varieties of lamb dishes. Fish and meat are typically served grilled or roasted, although often with inordinate amounts of yag (oil). The core group of seasonings is garlic, sage, oregano, cumin, mint, dill, lemon, and yogurt. The richness of Turkish cooking originated from Ottoman sultans. During their reign, many of the chefs were trying to create a new dish and taste to please the sultan in order to receive praise and reward. A sultan’s palace kitchen might include hundreds of chefs and more than one thousand kitchen staff. As a result, a large variety of dish offerings from meat to many fresh vegetables were developed. The majority of these recipes, recorded in Arabic script, were regrettably lost in the language reforms. Some Ottoman ¨ favorites have continued, however, like hunkar begendi (the sultan was pleased), imam bayaldi (the priest fainted), and hanim g¨obegi (lady’s navel), a syrupy dessert with a thumbprint in the middle. The first meal of the day is breakfast. A typical Turkish breakfast is fresh tomatoes, white cheese, black olives, bread with honey and preserves, and sometimes an egg. Lunch often will include a rice or bulgar pilaf dish, lamb or chicken baked with peppers and eggplant, and fresh fish grilled with lemon. A popular lamb cut is prizolla. These are extra-thin-cut lamb chops seasoned with sumac (a tart red berry dried and coarsely ground, often referred to as a “souring agent”) and thyme, and then quickly grilled. Other favorites include sucuk, a spicy sausage, and pastirma, a sun-dried cumin-fenugreek coated preserved beef. It is sliced thin much like pastrami. Dinners will most commonly start with mezeler (singular, mezze), or appetizers. These often become a meal in themselves, accompanied by an ample serving of raki (a liquorlike anisette,

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THE FOOD

licorice flavored; when diluted with water it assumes a milky color). Cold mezes include patlican salatasi (roasted eggplant puree flavored with garlic and lemon), haydari (a thick yogurt dip made with garlic and dill), dolma, ezme (a spicy paste of tomatoes, minced green pepper, onion, and parsley), kizartma (deep-fried eggplant, zucchini, or green pepper served with fresh yogurt), cacik (a garlicky cold yogurt “soup” with shredded cucumber, mint, or dill), barbunya pilaki (kidney beans, tomatoes, and onions cooked in olive oil), and barbunya pilaki (slow-roasted baby eggplant topped with olive oil-fried onions and tomatoes and seasoned with garlic). Hot appetizers, usually called ara sicak, include b¨orek (a deep-fried or oven-baked pastry filled with cheese or meat), kalamar (deep-fried calamari served with a special sauce), and midye tava (deep-fried mussels). Fresh fish, often a main course, is commonly served grilled and drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Specialties include alabalik (trout), barbunya (red mullet), kalkan (turbot), kefal ¨ (gray mullet), kilic¸ (swordfish, sometimes served as a kebab), levrek (sea bass), lufer (bluefish), and palamut (bonito). Grilled quail is most common inland; it’s often marinated in tomatoes, yogurt, olive oil, and cinnamon. Karisik izgara, a mixed grill, usually combines chicken breast, beef, a lamb chop, and spicy lamb patties, all served with rice pilaf and vegetables. Soups have traditional importance and are generally served as the first course or starter and can be eaten with any meal, even breakfast. They come in a wide variety and many are are based on meat stock. Lentil soup is the most common, but there are other preferred soups such as yayla (a yogurt-based soup), tarhana (cracked wheat or flour, yogurt, and vegetables fermented and then dried), asiran (made from bulgur wheat and yogurt), and guli (from greens, white beans, and lamb). The well-known “wedding soup” is made with lamb shanks in an egg broth. One of the pillars of Turkish cooking is pilavlar, or pilaf. Generally made of rice, but sometimes with bulgur or sehriye (vermicelli), pilaf is one of the mainstays of the Turkish table. The rice should not be sticky but separate into individual grains. The pilaf may include eggplant, chickpeas, beans, or peas. Although pilaf is traditionally a course in its own right, it may also be used as a garnish with meat and chicken dishes. B¨orek is a general Turkish term for filled pastries. The filling is often white sheep’s milk cheese and a chopped vegetable such as parsley or spinach. Often the dough is paper-thin yufka (phyllo) layered, rolled, or folded around the ingredients, then baked, steamed, or fried. Kebabs are dishes of plain or marinated meat either stewed or grilled. Although the ingredient of choice for Turks is lamb, some kebabs are made with beef, chicken, or fish, usually grilled with vegetables on a skewer. Doner kebab is a famous Turkish dish of a roll of lamb on a vertical skewer turning parallel to a hot grill. Adana kebaps are spicy ground-lamb ´ pita bread, topped with a yogurt-and-garlic sauce. Iskender patties arranged on a layer of sauteed kebaps, also known as bursa kebaps, are sliced grilled lamb, smothered in tomato sauce, hot butter, and yogurt. Sis kebaps are the traditional skewered cubes of lamb, usually interspersed with peppers and onions. Kofte are meatballs, predominantly lamb, and there is a rich variety of kofte recipes within Turkey. Finely minced meat mixed with spices, onions, and other ingredients is shaped by hand, and grilled, fried, boiled, or baked. Some koftes are cooked in a sauce; as in the case of the izmir kofte, the koftes are first grilled and then cooked with green

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peppers, potato slices, and tomatoes in their own gravy. In southern and southeastern Turkey, bulgur wheat is an essential ingredient of many varieties of meatballs. The stuffed meatballs known as ic¸li kofte have an outer shell of bulgur and minced meat and a filling of walnuts and spicy minced meat. Raw kofte are a specialty that requires top-quality meat without a trace of fat. This is then minced and kneaded with bulgur and the purplish hot pepper of the region. Dolmas is family of stuffed vegetable dishes. This applies to tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, onions, quince, and even apples; although stuffed mackerel and squid are also called dolma. Dolmas originated in Turkey, but are also found from the Balkans to Persia. Perhaps the best-known is the grape leaf dolmas. The stuffing may include meat or not. Meat dolmas are generally served warm, often with sauce; meatless ones are generally served cold. Bread has major cultural significance in Turkey. It is usually baked twice a day, early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The freshly baked elongated loaf of bread, which looks like French bread, is the bread that most people eat during the day. Then there is flat bread, known as pita bread (pide in Turkish) which is good for wrapping; lavash, a wafer thin type of bread, is also good for wrapping; and simit, which is a round bread much like a bagel, covered with sesame seeds. Many fresh and dried fruits are stewed into compotes in which the liquid is as important an element as is the fruit itself. Desserts made from apricots or figs are given a topping of fresh clotted cream and sometimes crushed walnuts. The same topping is used on kabak tatlisi, an unusual dessert made by cooking pieces of pumpkin in syrup. Milk-based desserts include a wide variety of puddings, some of which are baked. Keskul is a milk pudding made with coconut. Gullac is a confection of thin sheets of pastry in a milk sauce to which rosewater is added; and pastry-based desserts include baklava, as well as kadayif (made from shredded pastry baked in syrup, often filled with pistachio nuts, walnuts, or clotted cream), revani (a sweet made from semolina), hanim g¨obegi, and sekerparee (two kinds of small sweet cake). Turkish delight and helva are well-known candies. Turkish delight is made from cornstarch or gelatin, sugar, honey, and fruit juice or jelly, and is often tinted pink or green. Chopped almonds, pistachio nuts, pine nuts, or hazelnuts are frequently added. Once the candy becomes firm, it is cut into ´ small squares and coated with confectioners’ sugar. Helva is made by pan-sauteing flour or semolina and pine nuts in butter before adding sugar and milk or water, and briefly cooking until these are absorbed. The preparation of helva is conducive to communal cooking. People are invited for “helva conversations” to pass the long winter nights. Tea (cay) is the national drink. It is served extremely hot and strong in tiny tulip-shaped glasses, accompanied by two sugar cubes. The size of the glass ensures that the tea gets consumed while hot. The coffee culture is a little less prevalent but no less “steeped” in tradition. Early clerics believed it to be an intoxicant and consequently had it banned. But the kahvehane (coffeehouse) refused to go away, and now the sharing of a cup of coffee is an excuse to prolong a discussion, plan, negotiate, or simply relax. Turkish coffee is ground to a fine dust, boiled directly in the correct quantity of water, and served as is. There are two national drinks, raki and ayran. Raki is an alcoholic drink distilled from raisins and then redistilled with aniseed. Ayran is a refreshing beverage made by diluting yogurt with water.

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THE FOOD

GREECE

As in every culture of the world, local culinary traditions are the reflection of two interconnected factors, geography and history. The mainland cuisine of Greece is primarily a nomadic shepherd’s cuisine. As recently as a generation ago, shepherds moved on foot with their flocks twice a year, in mid-fall and mid-spring, between the low-lying plains (where it was warmer) and the mountains, where they spent their summers. Foraging, not farming, was the norm. Butter and lard were the predominant fats, and cheese, yogurt, and myriad other dairy products played a dominant role in those diets, as did meat. Vegetables were typically wild greens, picked in and around nomadic settlements and often turned into pies, one of the backbones of mainland Greek cooking. For an itinerant shepherd, it was the most efficient food, a dish that could be easily prepared from accessible ingredients, baked in makeshift portable ovens, was satisfyingly filling, and could be carried with ease over long distances. There are many pies in Greece that fall into several broad categories. Tiropita is a cheese pie. The filling is usually a simple combination of local cheese, usually feta, and eggs. Some pies are multilayered; others are very thin, almost like crepes filled with cheese. Hortopita is a category of pies, filled with seasonal, usually mild, greens. In some, a little cheese is added. Kreatopita translates as meat pie. Pork, lamb, and some beef appear in fillings from various regions. Chicken is also used as a filling for pies. These are called kotopites. There are also some unusual pies filled with eggplant (thesalia) and with pulses, such as lentils, which is a very old dish from Ipiros. Bourekakia are individual, hand-held pies that can be filled with cheese, vegetables, or meat. They are either fried or baked and shapes vary. Glikes pites are sweet pies. Baklava falls into this category. Other dessert pies include galaktoboureko, a custardfilled pie almost always prepared with commercial phyllo, not homemade and galatopita, or milk pie, which is a classic country dish in Roumeli, Thesalia, and Ipiros. Often, trahana or rice is added to the filling of milk pies to make it more substantial. There is also an unusual sweet Lenten pie found throughout Ipiros made with rice and raisins. There are several subcategories of Greek cuisine: cooking large casseroles, stews, grilled meat and seafood specialties, and phyllo items (pites). Each type of cooking is represented by a specialty restaurant. Tavernas can be found all over Greece and specialize in preprepared casserole items (moussaka, pastitsio, vegetables stuffed with rice). Psistaries serve only grilled meats. Pites, phyllo pastry pies stuffed with greens, are generally considered as laiko, or village cuisine, made at home or purchased from either a bakery or a street vendor specializing in one type of pita. Breakfast, or proeeno, is a light meal, usually eaten as early as 7 a.m. Many people have only Greek coffee, which is a strong, thick mixture of fine ground coffee, water, and sometimes sugar, boiled together. This may be accompanied by a roll with butter, honey, or jelly. Lunch, or mesimeriano, is the main meal, eaten at home at 2 or 3 p.m. Appetizers, meat or fish, salad, yogurt with honey, and fruit may be served at a typical midday meal. Dinner is deipnon, usually eaten in the late evening, as late as 10 p.m. Most Greeks have appetizers, or mezedakia, in the early evening, before dinner. The word meze describes a form of socializing as much as a

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group of dishes. Drinking without eating is frowned upon in Greece. People gather in ouzeries in the early evening not just for drinks, but also for mezethes to tide them over until dinner. Meze is eaten throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, and Greek mezethes share common flavors with the Turkish, Middle Eastern, and North African varieties (nearly four hundred years of Ottoman rule left a strong mark on the entire area). But this style of eating can be traced to ancient Greece; Plato’s writings include descriptions of symposium spreads that would not be out of place in an ouzerie today. Greek mezethes generally have robust or spicy flavors to stand up to strong drinks. The hallmarks of Greek cuisine since antiquity—olives, fresh vegetables, spit-roasted or grilled meats, dried and fresh fruit, oregano, mint, yogurt, and honey—figure prominently. Meze in seaside areas includes dishes like wood-grilled squid and octopus, while the mountainous inland regions are known for pies stuffed with meat and cheese. Feta cheese and yogurt are the backbone of the Greece’s dairy industry. The country produces 150,000 tons of feta per year. Because of Greek emigrations, this brined cheese has become known worldwide.The European Union has granted this cheese a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and has prohibited other countries in its domain from using the name “feta.” Derived from the milk of both sheep and goats (but never cows), its unique flavors result from these animals grazing on indigenous plants in rather dry pastures. Whereas Greek mountain cooking is basically rooted in a pastoral tradition, the cuisine of the Peloponnese, the large peninsula joined to the rest of mainland Greece by a narrow strip of land (the Isthmus of Corinth), is rural, farm cuisine at its best. Here is Greece’s most important olive grove—the tree grows virtually all over the Peloponnese—and olive oil figures prominently in the cuisine. Perhaps no other symbol represents Greece as does the olive tree. The Greek poet Homer once described Greece’s olive oil as “liquid gold” and for a long time olive groves were protected. Said to be given by the goddess of wisdom, Athena, to the city bearing her name, the olive tree provides two staples of Greek cuisine: table olives and olive oil. Today its production and sale plays a significant role in the economic life of twenty-first-century Greece. Greece is home to 120,000,000 olive trees, about twelve trees for every resident. About 120,000 tons of table olives each year are produced, which is the fifth largest total in the world. Two-thirds of the crop goes to export markets. Of the many varieties grown, three predominate: the kalamata, perhaps the best known; the conservolia; and the halkidiki. It is a point of pride that 80 percent of Greece’s olive oil is rated extra virgin, making the country the world’s largest producer in this category. Olive oil is used in virtually every method of cooking in Greece and is also used as a condiment, especially with the greener, more herbaceous varieties of oil. Common dishes like the green bean, eggplant, potato, or zucchini stew, cooked in lemon or tomato sauce, are called ladera (cooked in olive oil). Other important elements in the cuisine of the Peloponnese are tomatoes, garlic, onions, spinach, artichokes, fennel, lettuce, cabbage, horta (wild greens), zucchini, eggplant, and peppers. Fruits are eaten either fresh, or preserved by drying. Popular varieties include apricots, grapes, dates, cherries, apples, pears, plums, and figs.

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THE FOOD

The excellent quality of Greek herbs and spices reflects the country’s ample sunshine and the variability of its landscape. This special landscape makes Greek flora so rich that of the 7,500 different species of plants growing in Greece, 850 of them are found only there. Some of the best herbs grow there naturally: chamomile, mountain tea, tilio (lime blossom), sage, thyme, oregano, and basil are chosen above others by celebrity chefs across Europe. Spices from Greece include sesame, white sesame, machlepi (the kernel of a certain cherry; it has a pleasant, sweet and earthy aroma and is used to flavor certain holiday breads), and cumin. The most valuable and expensive spice, red saffron, is cultivated in Greece. There are certain defining flavors and combinations that make a dish unquestionably Greek. Among them are lemon and dill; lemon and olive oil; lemon, olive oil, oregano, and garlic; lemon and eggs (avgolemono); tomatoes and cinnamon (in sauces); tomatoes, honey, vinegar, and dill; garlic ground with mint (sometimes with the addition of walnuts); garlic and vinegar; anise (or ouzo) and pepper; and olives, orange, and fennel. Garlic is indispensable to Greek cooking and is used in stews and other savory dishes, but it most important in dipping sauces, such as skordalia and in yogurt-based dips, such as tzatziki. Greeks enjoy the taste of garlic and nuts, and there are several sauces that call for walnuts and garlic or almonds and garlic. With documented production dating to sixth century B.C., honey has a special resonance in Greece. It’s the basic sweetening ingredient in the Mediterranean diet and Greece is one of the primary providers of honey in Europe. The country defines its honey sources in two broad categories. Forest honey, most of which is pine honey, fir honey, and oak honey, accounts for 60 to 70 percent of all production. The balance is considered flower honey and includes sources such as orange, heather, chestnut, and aromatic plants like wild oregano, wild lavender, and salvia. Because Greece’s vegetation is sparser than in some other parts of the world, bees must work harder. In Greece a beehive will average 10 kilos (about 22 pounds) production, while in the rest of Europe hives generate over 30 kilos (about 66 pounds). However, the Greek bees that struggle and collect nectar from a wider variety of plants produce a honey that is denser and richer in aromatic substances. Wheat has been cultivated in Greece for thousands of years and is a staple of Greek cuisine. It’s used to make a variety of breads including pita bread and crusty whole-grain peasant bread. Bulgur, which is made from cracked whole wheat, is eaten as an accompaniment to hearty stews or added to soups and salads. Pasta, introduced to the Greeks by the Italians, is also a popular wheat-based food. Another important grain food in the Greek diet is rice, which is used in pilafs and bakes, served with stews, or wrapped in grape leaves to make dolmades. Legumes such as chickpeas, lima beans, split peas, and lentils are used in traditional Greek cooking. They are eaten either whole in stews, bakes, pilafs, soups, and salads, or pureed and used as a dip or spread such as hummus. The most popular dried beans are the gigantes, or giant beans, which resemble lima or butter beans but are bigger. These are made into casseroles, baked with tomatoes and other vegetables, and sometimes served up simply boiled with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Greeks call the yellow split pea fava. The most common way to cook them is to simmer the yellow split peas until they become creamy and dense, like mashed potatoes. This is a classic Greek dish, usually topped with raw olive oil

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and raw onions. In Santorini, fava is “married,” that is, it is served with a topping of either stewed capers, another local specialty, or stewed eggplants. Once the puree has been made, it can also sometimes be turned into fritters. Many types of nuts are used in cooking or eaten as snacks, particularly pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. Meat, particularly large roasts, have been an important part of Greek culinary history. Today, Easter would be incomplete without lamb or kid on a spit, or its kokoretsi (innards sausage), skewered and grilled outdoors. On the everyday table, skewered meats are also prominent, in the form of souvlaki, sold all over the country. Souvlaki, like the kebab, is made by skewering small chunks of meat, usually pork or lamb, and grilling them over coals. Souvlaki may be made with or without slices of peppers, tomatoes, and onions on the skewer. A souvlaki pita is wrapped in grilled pita bread together with tomatoes, tzatziki, and onions. A gyros (also spelled giros) is like souvlaki pita, usually served wrapped in grilled pita bread with one difference: gyros, which means round, is made by stacking very thin slices of meat on a vertical skewer and grilling the resulting cone on a rotisserie for hours, until all the slices meld together. To serve it, the gyro maker slices off thin pieces and wraps them in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. There are countless stews and stovetop meat preparations in the traditional Greek culinary repertoire. Meat is expensive and so used sparingly, most often in combination with other ingredients, such as vegetables, beans, and rice or pasta. Moussaka is the best known of all Greek foods. It is a lamb and eggplant casserole covered ´ with a thick layer of bechamel sauce that is baked until golden and crusty. It can be made with other ingredients besides lamb and eggplant, using beef, or vegetables such as zucchini or potatoes. Greece is surrounded by the sea, so fish and shellfish are an important part of the diet. The most popular types of fish and shellfish include tuna, mullet, bass, halibut, swordfish, anchovies, sardines, shrimp, octopus, squid, and mussels. This fish and seafood is enjoyed in many ways, including grilled and seasoned with garlic and lemon juice, baked with yogurt and herbs, cooked in rich tomato sauce, added to soups, or served cold as a side dish. Fresh and dried fruit are the usual dessert. Rich desserts and pastries, often sweetened with honey, are mostly reserved for special occasions or eaten in small amounts. Greek sweets made with fruits are a part of the Greek tradition and way of life since they represent a warm welcome for the visitor to the friendly environment of a Greek home. In the near past, these sweets were usually homemade according to the art and secrets of each housewife. They were called “spoon sweets” because the usual serving size was a well-filled teaspoon. Most sweets were prepared at the time of year each fruit matured: apricots, prunes, grapes, quince, bergamot, citrus, wild cherries, and figs followed each other from early summer to late autumn. Other varieties such as pistachio, walnut, fig, and bitter orange used fruit that was not yet fully ripe. Sometimes spoon sweets were made by using vegetables (such as eggplants or tomatoes) or even flower petals. The Greek seamen and merchants traveling east to Mesopotamia particularly appreciated the Turkish dessert baklava. They brought the recipe to Athens. Phyllo was coined by Greeks and means “leaf” in the Greek language. In a relatively

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G L O S S A RY

short time, in every kitchen of wealthy households in the region, trays of baklava were being baked for all kinds of special occasions from the third century B.C. onward. Wine is consumed regularly in Greece, but mainly with food, and in moderation. Ouzo is Greece’s national drink. Ouzo is made from a precise combination of pressed grapes, herbs, and berries including aniseed, licorice, mint, wintergreen, fennel, and hazelnut. It is usually served as an aperitif, but is also used in some mixed drinks and cocktails. When mixing Ouzo with water it will turn whitish and opaque.

CRETE

Island cooking has always been shaped by the various rites of the Greek Orthodox Church. Christmas, Easter, and the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 15 (corresponding to the feast of the Assumption in the Roman Catholic Church) are the most colorful of the festivals. Easter is preceded by the forty days of Lent, during which people abstain from all foods derived from animals (meat, dairy products, and eggs), as they do every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year. This abstention has inspired cooks to develop a number of exquisite vegetarian dishes that substitute for the more familiar versions made with meat. Lenten grape leaves stuffed with rice; pasta with olive oil, onions, and spices; tomato and onion flatbread, and zucchini; and chickpea fritters are just a few of the flavorful examples. There is plenty of celebration food as well, like roast leg of lamb with potatoes, fragrant with garlic, oregano, and thyme, and baked chicken with orzo. It is argued that the Cretan diet, based on olive oil, cereals, wine, and fish hasn’t really changed since Minoan times. It has created the world’s healthiest and long-lived people and is the basis of the famous Mediterranean diet. Research in the 1950s by the international scientific community concluded that Cretans were this healthy due to their diet. Today, it is generally agreed that following the traditional Cretan way of eating leads to less chance of suffering from heart disease compared to other Mediterranean countries. This seems to be due to the fact that Cretans eat twice as much fruit, a quarter less meat, and more pulses than other Europeans. Greek island cuisine is largely free from animal fats, an absence considered healthful. More than anywhere else in Greece, maybe more than anywhere else in the whole Mediterranean, the cooking of the Aegean islands is one in which the basic rule is that food be embellished as little as possible and altered as little as possible from its original state.

Glossary Avgolemono Egg-lemon sauce prepared by adding fresh lemon juice to whisked eggs. Baklava Famed Mediterranean pastry whose origin is debatable. Made from many layers of

butter-brushed, nut- and sugar-sprinkled layers of phyllo pastry.

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Barbouni Red mullet, a favorite fish usually served grilled or fried. The cheeks and liver are

considered special delicacies. ´ ´ Bechamel Sauce By this name, the sauce’s origin is attributed to Louis de Bechamel, of the court of King Louis XIV. However, it should be noted that this same sauce—a roux of fat and flour whisked with a liquid, usually milk or cream—was described by Athenaeus in A.D. 200 and widely used in Greek cuisine. Bourekakia A Turkish name for all the tiny appetizer pastries made from phyllo pastry and

filled with a variety of savory fillings, including vegetables, meats, and cheese. In Greece these appetizers commonly take their name from the filling. Greek Cheeses Anthotiro A variation of mizithra. It is buttery in texture and comes in two variations, soft

and dry. Feta The most popular and most ancient of the Greek cheeses, the traditional cheese of

Greece. It is traditionally made from goat’s or sheep’s milk and is stored in barrels of brine. Most feta comes from mountainous areas. It is used in salads, baked in pies, crumbled on omelets, or even stuffed into fish. The most popular way to eat feta is to lay a thick slab on a plate, pour on some olive oil, and add a pinch of oregano on top. Graviera Hard in texture, mild in taste, this cheese resembles Swiss or Gruy`ere in texture.

It is served with meals or used for grating over spaghetti. Kapnisto Metsovone One of the few smoked cheeses of Greece. It is made from cow’s milk, but sometimes with the addition of a little sheep’s or goat’s milk. Kaser (Kasseri) This mild- to sharp-tasting cheese (depending on variety) is faint yellow in

color, oily in texture, and usually eaten on its own. It is made from sheep’s milk and is good as a table cheese. Kefalograviera A cross between Kefalotiri and Graviera, this cheese is made from cow’s

milk. It is a hard cheese, pale yellow in color with a sharp taste and smell, used as a table cheese and for grating or frying. Kefalotiri This traditional Greek cheese is very hard in texture. It is made with a combina-

tion of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Salty and sharp tasting, it is similar to regato and Parmesan and is used for grating over spaghetti. It is primarily used for frying. It is ripened for at least three months and so acquires a sharp aroma and a rich, salty, tangy taste. Ladotyri This is sheep’s and goat’s milk cheese. It is made in the shape of small spheres

and so is sometimes called kefalaki (little head). Its proper name refers to olive oil, in which it is aged. It can be aged for as much as a year and emerge richer and tastier.

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Manouri Like mizithra, ricotta, and cottage cheeses, manouri is soft in texture and unsalted. It is made from full-fat sheep’s milk and is mainly used for sweet pies. In Athens and the islands it is the name of soft cream cheese. Mizithra It is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and comes in two forms. The fresh, ricotta-

like mizithra is unsalted. The dried version is salted, aged until hard, and is good for grating and cooking. Mizithra is more often used for sweet pies. Telemes A variation of feta cheese. The difference is that it is made from cow’s milk. Touloumotiri This sweet, moist, snow-white cheese is stored by hanging in goatskin or

sheepskin bags. Dolmadakia Any stuffed food, this term refers to tiny stuffed foods such as small rolls of

cabbage, spinach, or vine leaves or tiny scooped-out vegetables. These are filled with savory ´ mixtures such as bechamel sauce and cheese or rice with seasonings. Domates Tomatoes. Fakki Meatless brown lentil soup, a standby for busy days and a staple when meat is scarce. Fenugreek Pleasantly bittersweet seed generally ground. Imam Bayaldi Slowly baked eggplants stuffed with tomatoes and sliced onions and flavored

with garlic. Literally, “the caliph fainted,” so named because the dish was so delicious that the priest was said to have fainted (here the stories differ) either when he tasted it or when he was denied a taste. Kafes Turkish coffee introduced to Greece, brewed in a long-handled pot called a briki. In

Greece it is called Greek coffee, but it is still made in thirty-three variations, as is Turkish coffee. Kataifia Sweetened very fine shreds of a wheat flour pastry rolled up with chopped nuts. Kefthedes or Keftethes Tiny meatballs prepared with finely minced meat (any kind) blended

with bread crumbs and eggs then seasoned with garlic, mint, oregano, and salt and pepper. The mixture is formed into tiny balls and fried in oil until brown. Kolokythia Called baby marrows in England, courgettes in France, and zucchini in Italy. Greeks

enjoy the flowers freshly picked, stuffed, and fried. Kouloura A Greek bread. Kourabiedes Rich buttery shortbread-type cookies baked in round balls, liberally sprinkled

with rosewater or orange flower water, and dusted with powdered sugar.

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Mahlab Used in dessert breads, the spice is actually the pit of a sour cherry. Mastica Unique to Greek cooking, the powdered resin from a small evergreen grown mostly on the Greek isle of Chios. Like ginger and mahlab, mastic is used as a spice in desserts and ´ sweets, as well as a way to sweeten main entrees. Used for flavoring yeast dough. There is also a liqueur by the same name. Melitzanosalata A popular Mediterranean appetizer of pureed eggplant seasoned liberally with onion and vinegar and garnished with black olives and tomato wedges. Moussaka Browned eggplant slices layered with tomatoes, cheese, onions, and ground meat

finished with a b´echamel sauce. Typically Greek, there is a faint taste of cinnamon. Nigella Small black seed with a nutty, pepper flavor that looks like black sesame. Most often

used to top breads and to flavor salads and vegetables. Ouzo A Greek anise-flavored alcoholic beverage that turns opaque when mixed with water. Pastizzio A baked layered casserole of cooked pasta sprinkled with cheese and a layer of

seasoned minced meat. The casserole is finished with cheese and b´echamel sauce. Phyllo or Fillo This paper-thin pastry is usually made commercially of egg, flour, and water.

The Greek word phyllo means “leaf.” Saganaki or Tiraki Any firm cheese cut in squares, dusted with flour, and quickly fried in hot

oil and served as an appetizer. Skordalia or Skorthalia A smooth, thick sauce made with oil, lemon juice, soft white bread,

and garlic. There are many variations depending on the region and the family; many versions include potato. Souvlakia Skewered cubes of lamb with onions, green peppers, and tomato wedges, all marinated then broiled. Spanakopita A “pie” of buttery layers of phyllo with a center portion of chopped cooked

´ spinach and feta mixed with bechamel. Stefado A stew. Sumac Deep red, slightly sour spice with citrus notes. Ground sumac is used in salads, on grilled meats, in soups, and in rice dishes. Taramosalata Creamy dip made of roe, white bread or potato, garlic, oil, and lemon juice. Tzatziki A tangy dip of plain yogurt, minced cucumber, garlic, salt, and pepper. Vasilopita Sweet yeast bread flavored with grated orange rind, cinnamon, and mastic, made

especially for Saint Basil’s Day.

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Menus and Recipes from Greece and Turkey M E N U

O N E

Spanakopita Peloponniso: Peloponnese Spinach Rolls Elliniki Salata: Greek Salad Aginares me Avgolemono: Artichokes with Egg and Lemon Sauce Fasoulatha: Bean Soup Garithes Saganaki: Baked Shrimp Afelia: Fried Pork with Coriander Pourgouri Pilafi: Pilaf of Cracked Wheat Fresh Fruit M E N U

T W O

Dolmathakia me Rizi: Stuffed Grape Vine Leaves Saganaki: Fried Cheese Tzatziki: Garlic, Cucumber, and Yogurt Dip Salata me Portokalia kai Elies: Orange and Olive Salad Psari Savoro: Fried Fish with Rosemary and Vinegar Fasolakia: Fresh Green Bean Ragout Kataifi: Nut-stuffed Shredded Wheat Rolls Moussaka: Eggplant Moussaka M E N U

T H R E E

( T U R K E Y )

Kabak Kizartmasi and Patlican Kizartmasi: Zucchini and Eggplant Fritters Midye Dolmasi: Stuffed Mussels Sis Kebap: Skewered Lamb and Vegetables Balik Koftesi: Fish Balls ¨ Domates Salatasi: Tomato Salad Havuc Plakisi: Braised Carrots Beyaz Pilave: Plain Pilaf ´ ır Compostu: Figs in Syrup Inc´

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Spanakopita Peloponniso Peloponnese Spinach Rolls

SERVES 4

Feta cheese comes packed in brine. Rinse it under cold water, let it drain on a paper towel for a few minutes, then crumble it into the bowl containing the spinach and onions.

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

8 cups

16 ounces, 448 g

Spinach, washed, coarse stems removed, roughly chopped

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Onion,

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Leek, white part only,

1 2 1 4

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 4

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onion,

cup

1 2

Flat-leaf parsley, chopped fine

1 12

ounce, 14 g

teaspoons

1 8

teaspoon

1 2

cup

inch (.6 cm) dice

Fresh dill, chopped Nutmeg 2 ounces, 56 g

Feta cheese, crumbled

1

Egg, beaten

To taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4

Sheets phyllo pastry

As needed

Olive oil or butter for assembling rolls

PROCEDURE

1 2

Preheat oven to 350◦ F (180◦ C).

3

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add leeks and green onion, cook until soft, 5 minutes.

4

Combine the drained spinach, onion mixture, herbs, nutmeg, feta, and egg and season with salt and pepper. Cool.

5

Place a sheet of phyllo on work surface; brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Top with remaining sheets, brushing each with oil.

6

Brush top lightly with oil and place 2 ounces (56 g) spinach mixture along the length of the pastry toward one edge; leave 1 12 inches (4 cm) clear on each end.

Wilt spinach over medium heat and drain well in colander, pressing with spoon to remove all moisture.

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RECIPES

7

Fold bottom edge of pastry over filling, roll once, fold in ends, then roll up. Place a hand at each end of roll and push it in gently, like an accordion.

8

Place roll on a parchment lined or oiled baking dish. Brush top with oil and bake at 350◦ F (180◦ C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

9

Serve hot, cut in portions.

Elliniki Salata

Greek Salad

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

4 ounces, 112 g

Romaine lettuce,

1 4

1 2

Fresh dill

cup

ounce, 14 g

1 2

SERVES 4

inch (1.27 cm) strips

1 2

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

inch (1.27 cm) dice

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut in half lengthwise,

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Red onion, cut into very thin rings

1 2

cup

2 ounces, 56 g

Green Italian or green bell pepper, seeded,

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Kalamata olives, pitted

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 30 ml

Red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon

1 2

ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lemon juice

Dressing 1 4

cup

1 2

1

Garlic clove, mashed with

2 teaspoons

Fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried

teaspoon salt

To taste

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Make dressing by whisking together all dressing ingredients. Scatter lettuce on a platter; sprinkle with half the dill. Combine remaining salad ingredients and dressing; toss well. Distribute over lettuce and serve.

1 2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slices

inch (1.27 cm) dice

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Aginares me Avgolemono Artichokes with Egg and Lemon Sauce AMOUNT

MEASURE

4

SERVES 4

INGREDIENT

Whole globe artichokes

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

1

Fresh lemon juice Lemon, sliced

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 14

cups

10 ounces, 300 ml

1 12

teaspoons

ounce, 15 ml

Chicken stock, boiling Cornstarch

2 1 tablespoon

Olive oil

Eggs, separated 1 2

ounce, 15 ml

Fresh lemon juice

To taste

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon

Dill and parsley, chopped fine for garnish

PROCEDURE

1

Wash artichokes well and cut off stem close to base. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice to enough cold water to cover artichokes.

2

Remove tough outer leaves and trim carefully. Cut off 1 14 inches (3 cm) from top and trim remaining leaf ends with scissors. Rub with lemon slices, to prevent discoloration.

3

Cook prepared artichokes in boiling salted water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice, and olive oil for 30 minutes or until tender. Test by pulling a leaf; if it comes away easily the artichokes are done.

4 5 6

Remove and invert to drain. Place in serving dish and keep warm.

7

Beat egg whites until stiff; add egg yolk and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice gradually, beating constantly.

8 9

Gradually pour in thickened hot stock to egg, beating constantly.

10 11

Make avgolemono sauce using chicken stock or half stock and half artichoke water. Mix cornstarch with enough cold water to make a paste and add to stock, stirring until thickened and bubbling. Let cook 1 minute.

Return sauce to heat and cook, stirring constantly, over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to cook egg. Mixture should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not boil. Remove from heat and continue stirring; correct seasoning. Serve immediately, pour over artichokes and sprinkle with chopped dill and parsley.

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May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Fasoulatha

Bean Soup

S E RV E S 4 TO 6

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

15 ounces, 420 g

Dried nave, cannellini, lima, or black-eyed beans

8 cups

64 ounces, 1.92 l

Water or stock

1 3

2 12

Olive oil

cup

ounces, 75 ml

1 4

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Celery, including leaves, 1 4

1 4

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Carrots,

1 tablespoon

1 2

Garlic, minced

1 21 cups

9 ounces, 270 ml

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Tomato paste

1 2

ounce, 14 g

teaspoon

cup

inch (.6 cm) dice

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Granulated sugar

To taste 1 2

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and pepper 1 ounce, 28 g

Flat-leaf parsley, chopped

As needed

Cayenne pepper

As needed

Lemon juice

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5 6

Soak the beans in water overnight and drain.

7 8 9

Add sugar and correct seasoning with salt and pepper.

Combine beans and water or stock; bring to boil. Heat oil and saute´ onions until transparent, 3 minutes. Add celery and carrots and cook 3 to 4 minutes; add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, cook 2 to 3 minutes. Combine cooked vegetables with beans, bring to boil, reduce to simmer, and cook until beans are soft. Time depends on type of bean. To thicken the soup, mash some of the beans and vegetables against the side of the pot. Stir in the chopped parsley and correct seasoning with toasted cayenne pepper and lemon juice if desired.

475

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JWBK173/Nenes

476

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Garithes Saganaki Baked Shrimp AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 pound, 448 g

16–20 count uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onions,

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 28 g

Pepperoncini, minced

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onion, minced

1 cup

6 ounces, 240 ml

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

1 4

2 1 2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced cup

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Dry white wine

1 4

cup

1 2

Parsley, chopped

1 2

teaspoon

ounce, 14 g

cup

inch (.6 cm) dice

Oregano

To taste 1 2

1 4

Salt and pepper 2 ounces, 56 g

Feta cheese, crumbled

PROCEDURE

1 2

Sprinkle the cleaned shrimp with lemon juice and let stand until sauce is ready.

3

Add tomato to onion mixture and cook 5 minutes. Add shrimp, white wine, and half the parsley and oregano; cook 2 minutes. Correct seasoning.

4

Spoon half the tomato sauce into 4 individual oven dishes or 1 large dish. Add shrimp and spoon remaining sauce over shrimp; top with crumbled cheese.

5

Bake in a 450◦ F (232◦ C) oven for 6 to 7 minutes or until shrimp are firm (160◦ F, 71.1◦ C) and the feta is melted and lightly browned. Do not overcook or the shrimp will be tough.

6

Sprinkle with remaining parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onions until transparent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add pepperoncini and garlic and cook 2 minutes; add green onion and cook 1 minute.

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JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Afelia

Fried Pork with Coriander

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 21 pounds

680 g

Pork tenderloin, cut in

1 21

12 ounces, 360 ml

Good-quality dry red wine

cups

1 2

inch (1.2 cm) cubes

1 teaspoon

Salt

2 tablespoons

Coriander seeds, coarsely crushed

1

Cinnamon stick

To taste

Black pepper, freshly ground

6 tablespoons

3 ounces, 180 ml

As needed

Olive oil Pourgouri pilafi (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Combine pork with red wine, salt, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, and fresh pepper to taste (this dish requires lots of pepper). Marinate under refrigeration for at least 2 hours, turning pork occasionally.

2 3

Drain pork, reserving marinade, and pat dry. Do not discard the marinade. ´ stirring Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add pork; turn up heat to high and saute, frequently, until browned and just cooked through. Remove to serving plate.

4

Discard most of remaining fat, add remaining coriander seeds, and lightly toast until fragrant. Return marinade to pan, reduce until about 14 cup (2 ounces, 60 ml) remains; should be sauce consistency. Discard cinnamon stick and correct seasoning.

5 6

Return pork, toss to coat, and reheat pork. Serve immediately with pourgouri pilafi and yogurt.

477

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JWBK173/Nenes

478

May 16, 2008

21:27

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T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Pourgouri Pilafi Pilaf of Cracked Wheat

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onion,

1 2

1 ounce, 28 g

Vermicelli, crumbled

2 cups

16 ounces, 480 ml

Chicken stock

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Pourgouri (coarse cracked wheat)

cup

To taste

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onion until transparent, 3 minutes.

6

Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Stir in vermicelli; saute´ with onion until vermicelli begins to absorb the oil. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Wash the pourgouri under cold running water; add to liquid, and season to taste. Stir until it boils again, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until all the stock is absorbed.

c10

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May 16, 2008

21:27

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RECIPES

Fresh Fruit Sweets are not the everyday desert in Greece but are rather reserved for special occasions, holidays, or between-meal treats. Serve fresh fruits such as grapes, figs, melons, pomegranates, or whatever is in season. In Greece, the fruits usually come in a large bowl of ice water. Dried fruits such as figs and raisins are standard winter fare. A bowl of nuts usually accompanies the fruits.

Assorted fresh fruit

479

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

480

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Dolmathakia me Rizi Stuffed Grape Vine Leaves YIELD: ABOUT 30; SERVES 4–6

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

8 ounces

240 ml

Preserved vine leaves, or 40 fresh leaves

2 tablespoons

1 2

ounce, 14 g

Pine nuts

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onions,

1 2

cup

3 12

Short-grain rice

cup

1 2

1 4

ounces, 98 g

ounce, 14 g

1 8

inch (.3 cm) dice

Parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon

Mint, chopped

1 tablespoon

Dill, chopped

1 2

cup

1 8

teaspoon

Allspice, ground

1 8

teaspoon

Cinnamon, ground

2 ounces, 56 g

Green onion, tops included, chopped

1 teaspoon

Salt

To taste

Pepper, freshly ground

1 14 cups

10 ounces, 300 ml

Vegetable or chicken stock

2 tablespoons

1 ounces, 30 ml

Lemon juice

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Olive oil

As needed

Tzatziki (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Drain brine from the grape leaves, rinse in cold water, and blanch in boiling water 1 minute. Transfer to a cold-water bath and drain in colander until needed. If using fresh leaves, blanch in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes; shock and drain.

2 3 4 5

Toast pine nuts in oven until they just turn amber.

6

Cover pan and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pine nuts. Cool.

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onions until transparent, 5 minutes. Add rice; stir until completely coated with oil. Add herbs, allspice, cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper. Add 120 ml) stock.

1 2

cup (4 ounces,

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RECIPES

7

To shape dolma, place a vine leaf, shiny side down, on work surface. Snip off stem if necessary. Place about a tablespoon of mixture near stem end, fold end and sides over stuffing, and roll up firmly. (Do not roll too tightly because the rice will swell).

8

Line base of a shallow pan with vine leaves (use damaged ones) and place dolmas side by side in layers, seam side down and close together. Sprinkle with lemon juice; add 1 cup (8 ounces, 240 ml) olive oil and remaining stock (enough just to cover the dolmas). Cover top rolls with remaining grape vine leave.

9

Place a plate over dolma to prevent them from opening, cover and simmer over a low heat for about 35 to 40 minutes or until rice is completely cooked.

10

Uncover the dolmas so they can cool quickly. As soon as they can be handled, remove with a spatula and arrange on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature with tzatziki and lemon wedges.

481

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JWBK173/Nenes

482

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Saganaki AMOUNT

Fried Cheese

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces, 336 g

Kefalograviera, kasseri, or graviera cheese, or provolone

As needed 1 2

cup

1

SERVES 4

Flour for dredging 4 ounces, 120 ml

Olive oil Lemon, cut in wedges

PROCEDURE 1 2

1 2

Cut the cheese into strips 2 inches (4.9 cm) wide and

3

Heat oil over medium-high heat and pan-fry cheese, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

4

Remove, drain on paper towels, and serve immediately, accompanied by the lemon wedges. Or squeeze lemon juice to taste onto fried cheese, serve cheese in pan. Serve with additional lemon wedges and eat with crusty bread, which is dipped into the lemonflavored oil in the pan.

inch (1.2 cm) thick.

Run strips under cold running water and dredge lightly with flour. Be sure to cover all surfaces of the cheese with flour.

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Tzatziki Garlic, Cucumber, and Yogurt Dip

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Plain yogurt

1 cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Cucumber, peeled, seeded, and shredded

3

Garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

1 tablespoon

1 2

To taste

ounce, 15 ml

Olive oil Red wine vinegar or lemon juice Salt and black pepper Mint leaves for garnish

PROCEDURE

1

Drain the yogurt in a colander lined with cheesecloth for at least 1 hour. The yogurt will lose about a third of its volume and will be considerably creamier and thicker.

2

Press the shredded cucumbers in a colander with a dish on top of them to weigh them down, and let drain for one hour. Squeeze the cucumber to remove all excess moisture.

3

Combine yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper; mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

4

Serve chilled with crusty bread, garnished with mint leaves.

483

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

484

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Salata me Portokalia kai Elies Orange and Olive Salad SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

4

INGREDIENT

Navel oranges, peeled, pith removed, and sliced into 1 4 inch (.6 cm) rounds

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Red onion, cut into very thin rings

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Kalamata olives, pitted, rinsed, and halved

1

Garlic clove, smashed

1 2

teaspoon

Dried thyme

1 2

teaspoon

Black peppercorns

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Orange juice, fresh strained

2 teaspoons

20 ml

Red wine vinegar

1 4

2 ounces, 60 ml

Extra virgin olive oil

2 ounces, 56 g

Arugula leaves, washed, patted dry, and shredded

cup

1 cup

PROCEDURE

1 2

Arrange the oranges, onions, and olives on a platter.

3

Sprinkle the shredded arugula leaves over the oranges, onion slices, and drizzle with the dressing.

4

Serve immediately.

Using a mortar and pestle, crush together the garlic, thyme, and peppercorns. Combine spices with orange juice, vinegar, and olive oil; whisk well to combine.

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JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

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RECIPES

Psari Savoro Fried Fish with Rosemary and Vinegar SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

4

4–5 ounce, 112–140 g

Fish fillets, boneless and skinned

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lemon juice

As needed

Salt

As needed

Olive oil, for frying

As needed

All-purpose flour

2

Garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon

Rosemary leaves, fresh or dried

3 tablespoons

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

Sherry or red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons

1 12

ounces, 45 ml

White wine

To taste

Salt and fresh pepper

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Sprinkle fish with lemon juice and salt; let sit 30 minutes.

4

Pour off all but 2 tablespoons (1 ounce, 30 ml) oil. Add garlic and rosemary; cook 1 minute. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons flour and stir over medium heat until lightly colored.

5

Add vinegar and white wine; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Correct seasoning and consistency (thin with water if too thick) and serve over fish.

Heat oil over medium heat. Flour fish and pan-fry until golden brown on both sides and cooked completely. Drain and place on warm dish.

485

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

486

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Fasolakia Fresh Green Bean Ragout

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Red onions, halved, thinly sliced

3

Garlic cloves, minced

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Green beans, trimmed

2 cups

10 ounces, 280 g

Potato, peeled,

1

inch (1.2 cm) dice

Fresh or dried chile pepper

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

To taste 1 2

1 2

cup

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and pepper 1 ounce, 28 g

Parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Red wine vinegar

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Feta cheese

PROCEDURE

1 2

Heat olive oil over medium heat and saut´e onions and garlic until soft, 7 minutes.

3

Add potatoes and chile pepper, toss to coat, add tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper.

4

Add enough water just to cover vegetables. Cover pan and simmer until beans and potatoes are tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

5 6

Add parsley and vinegar, toss to coat, and cook 5 minutes.

Add green beans and toss to coat. Cover pan, reduce heat, and steam green beans in the oil for 10 minutes.

Adjust seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature, with feta cheese on the side.

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Kataifi

Nut-Stuffed Shredded Wheat Rolls

YIELD: 12 ROLLS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 41 cups

12 ounces, 360 ml

Butter, melted

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Walnuts, coarsely ground

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Almonds, coarsely ground

1 8

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Granulated sugar

1 2

teaspoon

Cinnamon, ground

1 2 tablespoons

Egg, beaten 1 ounce, 30 ml

8 ounces

Heavy cream Kataifi pastry, thawed, room temperature

Galaktoboureko Syrup 1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Granulated sugar

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Water

1 tablespoon

1 2

Fresh lemon juice

ounce, 15 ml

Pinch

Cinnamon, ground

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Brush sheet pan with melted butter and set aside.

5 6 7 8 9

Place seam side down on buttered pan, and repeat with remaining pastry and filling.

10

Combine nuts, sugar, and cinnamon; mix well. Beat egg with cream and 3 tablespoons melted butter. To prepare shredded wheat rolls, spread out a handful of the pastry to about 6 inches long. Brush generously with melted butter, place a tablespoon of nut filling on bottom, and roll up tightly, incorporating the loose ends inward as you go. Brush the tops of the pastries liberally with remaining butter. Bake at 350◦ F (180◦ C), 1 hour. Remove to a rack and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Make syrup by combining sugar and water over medium heat; as soon as sugar dissolves, add lemon juice and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Spoon hot syrup over rolls. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let stand 2 to 3 hours before serving, occasionally basting with syrup.

487

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

488

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Moussaka

Eggplant Moussaka

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1

16 ounce, 448 g

Eggplant, skin on, cut into

As needed

1 4

inch (.6 cm) slices

Salt

Meat Sauce 2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

6 ounces, 168 g

Onion,

2

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Garlic cloves, minced

2 cups

1 pound, 16 ounces, 448 g

Ground lamb or lean ground beef

1 cup

6 ounces, 180 ml

Tomato, peeled, seeded,

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Tomato paste

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

White wine

cup

2 tablespoons

Chopped parsley

1 teaspoon

Sugar

1 4

Cinnamon, ground

teaspoon

To taste

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Salt and pepper

Cream Sauce 1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Butter

1 3

cup

2.33 ounces, 66 g

Flour, all-purpose

16 ounces, 480 ml

Milk

2 cups 1 8

teaspoon

1 4

cup

Nutmeg 1 ounce, 28 g

Kefalotiri or Parmesan cheese

To taste

Salt and pepper

1

Egg, lightly beaten

PROCEDURE

1

Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit 1 hour. Dry with paper towels. Meat Sauce

1

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onion, 2 minutes. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes or until onions are soft.

2

Add lamb and brown over high heat, stirring well. Add remaining meat sauce ingredients; cover and cook 20 minutes. Correct seasoning.

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JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Cream Sauce

1

Melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour; cook gently 2 minutes. Add milk, stir to combine, turn heat to high, and bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

2

Sir in nutmeg and 1 tablespoon cheese; correct seasoning. Assemble Moussaka

1

Oil an 8 × 8 inch (20 × 20 cm) baking pan. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the base. Top with half the meat sauce, add another layer of eggplant, the remainder of meat sauce, and finish with eggplant.

2 3

Stir beaten egg into sauce and spread on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350◦ F (180◦ C), 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

Moussaka − Eggplant Moussaka

489

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JWBK173/Nenes

490

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Kabak Kizartmasi and Patlican Kizartmasi Zucchini and Eggplant Fritters

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2 cups

10 ounces, 280 g

Long slender eggplant

2 cups

10 ounces, 280 g

Zucchini,

As needed 1 cup

cup

All-purpose flour Salt

6 ounces, 180 ml

2 1 2

inch (1.8 cm) slices lengthwise or diagonally

Oil for pan-frying 7 ounce, 196 g

1 teaspoon 3 4

3 4

Beer Garlic cloves

teaspoon

1 cup

Salt 8 ounces, 240 ml

As needed

Yogurt Tarator (recipe follows)

PROCEDURE

1

Peel off lengthwise strips of eggplant to give a striped effect, then cut into 14 inch (.6 cm) diagonal slices. Sprinkle liberally with salt and leave for 30 minutes. Wipe off salt and dry with paper towels.

2

Oil eggplant slices on both sides and broil or grill, turning, until brown on both sides. Alternatively, eggplant may be pan-fried. Remove from heat or oil and stack until needed.

3 4

To make batter, sift flour and salt together; add beer and mix to a smooth batter.

5

Serve hot with yogurt salcasi and tarator.

Dip eggplant and zucchini into batter and pan-fry until tender and golden brown on both sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Yogurt Salacasi: Yogurt Sauce

1

Mash 2 cloves garlic with salt to a fine paste. Combine with yogurt and chill.

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Tarator Hazelnut Sauce

YIELD: 2 CUPS

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Hazelnuts, whole and peeled

1 cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Fresh white breadcrumbs

2

Garlic cloves, crushed

1 tablespoon

1 2

1 cup

8 ounces, 240 ml

Olive oil

1 2

4 ounces, 120 ml

White vinegar or fresh lemon juice

cup

ounce, 15 ml

1 teaspoon

Water

Salt

PROCEDURE

1

Grind hazelnuts in a blender or food processor or pound in mortar. If using a mortar, place nuts in a bowl when pulverized.

2 3 4

Add breadcrumbs, garlic, and water; process while adding oil. Gradually add vinegar, process until smooth, and add salt. Chill and serve.

491

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

492

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Midye Dolmasi Stuffed Mussels

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onions,

1 tablespoon 1 2

cup

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Pine nuts 4 ounces, 112 g

1 tablespoon

Long-grain rice, washed Parsley, chopped

1 2

teaspoon

1 2

cup

3 ounces, 90 ml

Tomatoes, peeled, seeded,

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Fish stock or water

Allspice, ground

To taste

Salt and fresh pepper

20 large

Mussels

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

1 4

inch (.6 cm) dice

Fish stock or water

4

Lemon wedges, for serving

As needed

Tarator (see recipe on page 491)

PROCEDURE

1

Heat oil over medium heat; saut´e onions until transparent, 5 minutes. Add pine nuts and cook 2 minutes. Stir in rice, parsley, allspice, tomatoes, and 12 cup (4 ounces, 120 ml) stock; add salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on low 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

2

Prepare mussels. Scrub mussels well and tug beard toward pointed end of the mussel to remove. To open, place scrubbed mussels in warm salted water. As they open, insert point of knife between the shells and slice it toward pointed end to sever the closing mechanism. For stuffing do not separate shells.

3

Place 2 teaspoons of filling in each mussel and close the shell as much as possible. Arrange mussels in a even layer, and place a weight on top to keep them closed.

4

Add water or stock, bring to a simmer, cover pan, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until mussel meat is cooked. Turn off heat and cool in pan.

5

Carefully remove mussels and wipe shell with paper towel. Shells may be lightly oiled for a more attractive appearance.

6

Serve chilled or at room temperature with lemon wedges and tarator.

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Midye Dolmasi – Stuffed Mussels

493

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

494

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Sis Kebap Skewered Lamb and Vegetables AMOUNT

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

20 ounces, 560 g

Lamb meat, boneless from leg, 1 14 inch (3.18 cm) cubes

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lemon juice

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Onion, thinly sliced

To taste

Black pepper, freshly ground

1

Bay leaf, crumbled

1 2

teaspoon

8

Thyme, dried Wooden skewers, soaked in water 1 hour

Garnish 8

Pearl onions, peeled and parboiled in salted water

8 cubes

Red bell pepper, cored, seeded, white membrane removed, cut in 1 41 inch (3.18 cm) cubes

8 cubes

Green bell pepper, cored, seeded, white membrane removed, cut in 1 41 inch (3.18 cm) cubes

PROCEDURE

1

Combine lamb cubes, lemon juice, olive oil, onions, black pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Do not add salt, it draws out the meat juices. Mix well and marinate at room temperature 1 hour or refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.

2 3

Blanch bell peppers in boiling salted water for 30 seconds; let cool.

4

Grill over medium high heat, turning frequently and brushing with marinade when required. After searing meat, move to lower heat to avoid burning vegetables.

5

Serve hot on a bed of Beyaz Pilav, colored with turmeric.

To assemble skewers, remove meat from marinade and thread onto 8 skewers, alternating cubes of meat with onions and peppers.

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

RECIPES

Sis Kebap – Skewered Lamb and Vegetables and Havuc Plakisi – Braised Carrots, Beyaz Pilav

495

c10

JWBK173/Nenes

496

May 16, 2008

21:27

Char Count=

T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Balik K¨ oftesi AMOUNT

1 4

cup

Fish Balls

SERVES 4

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces, 336 g

White fish fillets, skinless, boneless

1 ounce, 28 g

Green onion, white only, minced

1 tablespoon

Parsley, minced

1 teaspoon

Dill, minced

Pinch

Hot red pepper

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Fresh white breadcrumbs

1

Egg

To taste

Salt and fresh pepper

As needed

All-purpose flour

As needed

Oil for deep-frying

4

Lemon wedges, for serving

PROCEDURE

1

In a food processor combine fish, onion, parsley, dill, and red pepper; process to a smooth paste.

2

Remove to a bowl and work in breadcrumbs and egg; work to a paste and correct seasoning. Do not overwork.

3 4 5

With moistened hands, shape into balls the size of walnuts. Chill until firm. Coat with flour and deep-fry for 4 to 6 minutes at 370◦ F (188◦ C). Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges.

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RECIPES

Domates Salatasi Tomato Salad

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

2

10 ounces, 280 g

Tomatoes, firm

1

10 ounces, 280 g

English cucumber

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Lemon juice

1 tablespoon

1 2

White vinegar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

ounce, 15 ml

Olive oil

1 teaspoon

Fresh mint, chopped fine

2 teaspoons

Fresh parsley, chopped fine

To taste

Salt and fresh pepper

3 4

cup

3 ounces, 84 g

Black olives, pitted

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4 5

Peel tomatoes and slice

1 8

Peel cucumber and slice

inch (.3 cm) thick; arrange in a row on platter. 1 8

inch (.3 cm) thick; arrange in a row on platter.

Combine lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, mint, and parsley; correct seasoning. Pour over tomatoes and cucumber. Chill 15 minutes. Garnish platter with olives before serving.

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T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

Havuc Plakisi

Braised Carrots

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 4

cup

2 ounces, 60 ml

Olive oil

1 cup

4 ounces, 112 g

Onions, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced into thin semicircles

1 pound

16 ounces, 448 g

Carrots,

3 4

6 ounces, 180 ml

Water

cup

2 tablespoons

1 4

inch (.6 cm) diagonal slices

Parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon

Granulated sugar

To taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon

Fresh lemon juice

PROCEDURE

1 2 3

Heat oil over medium heat and saute´ onions until transparent, 5 minutes.

4

Serve sprinkled with remaining parsley.

Add carrots and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water, half the parsley and sugar. Season to taste, cover pan tightly, and simmer on low heat until carrots are tender, 15 minutes. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and correct seasoning. Remove to serving dish to cool to room temperature.

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RECIPES

Beyaz Pilave

Plain Pilaf

AMOUNT

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

1 cup

7 ounces, 196 g

Long-grain rice

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Olive oil

1 4

teaspoon

1 43

cups

SERVES 4

Turmeric 14 ounces, 420 ml

To taste

Chicken stock Salt

PROCEDURE

1 2 3 4

Wash rice until water runs clean. Drain well.

5 6

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.

Heat oil over medium heat and add turmeric; stir to incorporate. Add rice and saute´ for 5 minutes. Add stock, salt to taste, and stir occasionally until boiling. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes or until firm to the bite but evenly tender. Fluff up with a fork and serve.

499

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T U R K E Y, G R E E C E , A N D C R E T E

´Inc´ır Compostu

Figs in Syrup

SERVES 4

AMOUNT

3 cups

MEASURE

INGREDIENT

12 ounces, 336 g

Dried figs

24 ounces, 720 ml

Water

As needed 1 2

cup

Blanched almonds 4 ounces, 112 g

Granulated sugar

2 tablespoons

1 ounce, 30 ml

Fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons

1 21 ounces, 45 ml

Honey

1 4

cup

1 ounce, 28 g

Pistachios, almonds, or walnuts, chopped

1 2

cup

4 ounces, 120 ml

Yogurt

Thin strip

Lemon rind

PROCEDURE

1

Wash figs and plump in cold water overnight, or simmer gently for 10 minutes. Drain and save liquid.

2 3 4

Insert almond in base of each fig; set aside.

5 6

Arrange figs and pour syrup over, chill.

Add sugar to water; heat to dissolve. Add lemon rind, juice, and honey; bring to a boil. Add prepared figs and return to the boil. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, until figs are tender and syrup is thick. If necessary, remove figs and reduce cooking liquid. Remove lemon rind. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and serve with yogurt.

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May 20, 2008

19:15

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Africa The Land The African continent is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It was once connected to Asia’s land mass in the northeastern corner by the Sinai Peninsula, where the Suez Canal now exists. The Nile River in northeast Africa is the longest river in the world and has been a source of survival for many African people for thousands of years. The river and its tributaries run through nine countries and flow a total of 4,160 miles, providing food, fertile land, and a mode of transportation. Northern Africa includes Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and the Sudan. The Atlas Mountains run from Morocco to Tunisia, covering more than 1,200 miles and providing a route between the coast and the Sahara Desert. Both the High and Middle Atlas slopes have dense forests containing cedar, pine, cork, and oak trees. There are fertile valleys and tracts of pasture where livestock can feed. Within the mountain range, there is a wide variety of mineral deposits that have hardly been touched. The Sahara Desert separates northern Africa from the rest of the continent. All of the regions south of northern Africa are known as sub-Sahara. Western Africa includes the countries Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Western Sahara, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Ghana, and Nigeria. West Africa contains dense forests, vast expanses of desert and grassland, environmentally important wetland areas, and many large, sprawling cities. Virgin rain forests that once covered much of the West African coast have been drastically reduced by logging and agriculture. The southern regions’ tropical rain forest grows some of the world’s most

501

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AFRICA

prized hardwood trees, such as mahogany and iroko. The Niger River flows 2,600 miles and supports rich fish stocks. Eastern Africa includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Angola, and Tanzania. The Great Rift Valley dominates East Africa and includes Lake Victoria, the mountains of Kilimanjaro, and Mount Kenya. East Africa’s coastline is among the finest in the world and includes an almost continuous belt of coral reefs that provide an important habitat for fish and other marine life. The vast expanses of savanna grassland that cover much of the rest of East Africa are home to many of the region’s people and much of its rich wildlife. The Serengeti and the Masai Mara contain some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in the world. In northern Kenya the savanna turns into a semiarid landscape where few people live and very little grows. Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala are thriving modern cities in stark contrast to the vast savanna plains of Tanzania, the rain forests of western Uganda, and the remote deserts of northern Kenya. These cities reflect East Africa’s relatively advanced development compared with other African countries. Central Africa includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), the Congo, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic, Zambia, and Malawi. The great rain forest basin of the Congo River embraces most of Central Africa. Lake Chad is the fourth largest lake in Africa and is located in the Sahel zone of west-central Africa between Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. Lake Chad is a very important asset to the region, because of its contribution to the region’s hydrology and because of the diversity of flora and fauna that it attracts. The Lake Chad region is known for its important role in trans-Saharan trade and for important archaeological discoveries that have been made here. Southern Africa includes the countries of South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, as well as the islands of Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros. Like much of the African continent, this region is dominated by a high plateau in the interior, surrounded by a narrow strip of coastal lowlands. Unlike most of Africa, however, the perimeter of South Africa’s inland plateau rises abruptly to form a series of mountain ranges before dropping to sea level. These mountains are known as the Great Escarpment. The coastline is fairly regular and has few natural harbors. Each of the dominant land features—the inland plateau, the encircling mountain ranges, and the coastal lowlands—exhibits a wide range of variation in topography and in natural resources, The interior plateau consists of a series of rolling grasslands (veld in Afrikaans), arising out of the Kalahari Desert in the north. The largest subregion in the plateau is the 1,200-meter to 1,800-meter-high central area known as the Highveld that stretches from Western Cape province to the northeast. In the north, it rises into a series of rock formations known as the Witwatersrand (literally, “Ridge of White Waters” in Afrikaans, commonly shortened to Rand). The Rand is a ridge of gold-bearing rock that serves as a watershed for numerous rivers and streams. It is also the site of the world’s largest proven gold deposits and the country’s leading industrial city, Johannesburg. North of the Witwatersrand is a dry savanna subregion known as the Bushveld, characterized by

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19:15

M

O

RO

C

Char Count=

O

C

TUNISA

ALGERIA

LIBYA

WESTERN SAHARA

EGYPT

MAURITANIA MALI NIGER ERITREA

CHAD

SENEGAL

SUDAN

GAMBIA

DJIBOUTI

GUINEA N O O ER M

SOMALIA

O

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF

C

O

N

G

GABON

KENYA

CONGO

UGANDA RAWANDA TANZANIA

BURUNDI MALAWI

ANGOLA MOZAMBIQUE CA

R

ZAMBIA

AS

ZIMBABWE

AG

BENIN

A

TOGO

C

NAMIBIA BOTSWANA

M

LIBERA

ETHIOPIA

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

AD

A

NIGERIA

N

COTE D’IVOIRE

A

SIERRA LEONE

H

GUINEABISSAU

G

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SWAZILAND

SOUTH AFRICA

ZIMBABWE

Africa

503

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open grasslands with scattered trees and bushes. The Bushveld, like the Rand, is a treasure chest of minerals, one of the largest and best known layered igneous (volcanic) mineral complexes in the world. It has extensive deposits of chromium and significant reserves of copper, gold, nickel, and iron. South Africa is rich in diamonds and is the world’s biggest supplier of platinum.

History Until about a thousand years ago, Africa was a land of many different tribes with a few larger kingdoms. It had little contact with the rest of the world. Over the next nine hundred years, it was slowly penetrated by other outside cultures, principally the Arabs of the Middle East and the seafaring nations of northwest Europe. These intruders brought their religions—Islam in the north and east, Christianity in much of the rest—and the slave trade. A few settled in the land, but most were content to take the continent’s riches home with them. By the end of the 1800s, most of Africa was formally divided into European colonies, under the direct rule of the European colonial powers. It was during this period, with the slave trade abolished and most of the continent explored, mapped, and divided, that the European powers began to govern Africa on a daily basis. This colonial period ended, with a few exceptions, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the decade that followed Ghana’s independence in 1957 (the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence), the British, French, and Belgians withdrew from almost all their African colonies. Only the Portuguese (in Angola, Mozambique, and Portuguese Guinea) and the white minority government of South Africa clung to colonial power. After the European administrators went home, most of the newly independent countries set out to develop their economies along free enterprise lines and to establish systems of government. There have been some successes. A few economies have flourished, at least for a while, and there are signs that democracy has taken root in some countries. But mostly there have been failures. Over the last forty years, many African countries have succumbed to brutal dictators, and economic progress has been either minimal or nonexistent. As poverty and hopelessness have spread, violence has erupted both within and between states. African countries are varied in their levels of economic development; however, the continent as a whole is considered to be a developing region. The most economically developed country is South Africa. Next are the Mediterranean countries in northern Africa as well as Nigeria. Zaire, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Reunion, Namibia, and Mauritius are considered to be partly developed. The remaining countries are considered to be less developed.

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THE FOOD

The People The people of Africa belong to several thousand different ethnic groups. At the same time, over the centuries the different groups have also influenced one another and contributed to and enriched one another’s culture. There are over fifty countries in Africa, and some have twenty or more different ethnic groups living within their boundaries. While the majority of the countries in Africa are inhabited by people of African origin, some ethnic groups have been affected by the migration of Arab peoples into northern Africa. There are also Europeans whose families moved to Africa during the colonial period and have stayed on. In some parts of Africa, there are people of Asian origin, such as those from the Indian subcontinent. Some of the more widely known ethnic groups in Africa are Arabs, Ashanti, Bantu, Berbers, Bushmen, Dinka, Fulani, Ganda, Hamites, Hausa, Hottentot, Kikuyu, Luba, Lunda, Malinke, Moors, Nuer, Semites, Swahili, Tuareg, Xhosa, and Yoruba. Although the majority of the people in Africa lead a rural life, the continent is urbanizing at a fast pace. Over a third of the population now lives in cities. Those who live and work in the major metropolitan areas live in ways similar to most people in the industrialized world. However, they may not always have all the advantages of those who live in the larger, more modern cities. Their schools may have fewer resources, the opportunities for earning a living may not be as varied, and the services available may not be as technologically advanced. The lifestyle of those living in rural Africa has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. They have rich cultural heritages that they have passed down from generation to generation with very little influence from the outside world. There is extreme poverty and vast wealth; there are people who suffer from droughts and famine and people who have plentiful food. There are vast, magnificent nature reserves with an abundance of wildlife and there are highly urbanized parts with major cities with high-rise buildings and modern amenities. Much of the economy is based on agriculture in most African countries; and yet only 6 percent of the land mass is arable, while 25 percent is covered with forests, and another 25 percent is used for pasture or rangeland. Approximately 66 percent of the available workforce is involved in farming. Most of the back-country communities practice subsistence farming, growing just enough to feed their villages.

The Food The prime characteristic of native African meals is the use of starch as a focus, typically accompanied by a stew containing meat or vegetables, or both. Starch filler foods, similar to

505

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AFRICA

the rice cuisines of Asia, are a hallmark. Yams, beans, lentils, millet, plantains, green bananas, and cassava are some of the essential foods in Africa. Meat is often used merely as one of a number of flavorings, rather than as a main ingredient in cooking. Other major foods, such as wheat and rice, are imported on a wide scale from Asia, Europe, and North America, especially in countries where the climate does not admit extensive cultivation. The African taste and use of ingredients has changed a great deal. In the eastern part of the continent (especially in Kenya) Arab explorers brought dried fruits, rice, and spices and expanded the diets of the coastal farmers. They also brought oranges, lemons, and limes from China and India. The British imported new breeds of sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as strawberries and asparagus. Beans, cassava, groundnuts, corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and seasonings like pepper, cinnamon, clove, curry, and nutmeg were introduced to Africa as a direct result of European exploration of the North American continent. Traditional ways of cooking involve steaming food in leaf wrappers (banana or corn husks), boiling, frying in oil, grilling, roasting in a fire, or baking in ashes.

NORTH AFRICA

The countries of North Africa that border the Mediterranean Sea are largely Muslim. As a result, their diet reflects Islamic traditions, such as not eating pork or any animal product that has not been butchered in accordance with the traditions of the faith. Each North African region has its signature seasonings. Morocco’s ras el hanout (or “head of the shop”) includes twenty-five to forty different ingredients, including cinnamon, black peppercorns, green cardamon, caraway, nutmeg, and rosebuds. As with curry powder, each vendor creates his or her own recipe. Chermoula, a Moroccan marinade, contains garlic, onions, mint, paprika, and almonds. Tunisia’s harissa, a deep-red, hot table condiment with red chilies, cumin, garlic, tomatoes, vinegar, and olive oil is used even at breakfast. Morocco and Algeria have milder versions. Egyptians season meats with baharat, made with cinnamon, cumin, allspice, and paprika. The national dish of Algeria and Tunisia is couscous, which is steamed semolina wheat, served with lamb or chicken, cooked vegetables, and gravy. This is so basic to the diet that its name in Arabic, ta’am, translates simply as “food.” Common flavorings include onions, turnips, raisins, chickpeas, and red peppers, as well as salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander. Alternatively, couscous can be served sweet, flavored with honey, cinnamon, or almonds. Couscous presentation varies among regions. Algerians serve couscous, meat, and sauce in individual dishes, and mix them together at the table. Tunisians like it very moist with sauced meats or vegetables spooned over it. In Morocco, sauced meat or vegetables are served in a hole formed in a mound of couscous. Lamb is popular and is often prepared over an open fire and served with bread. This dish is called mechoui. Other common foods are chorba, a spicy soup; dolma, a mixture of tomatoes and peppers; and bourek, a specialty of Algiers consisting of minced meat with onions and fried eggs, rolled and fried in batter.

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THE FOOD

The most traditional dish in Morocco is a tangine (tanjine), named for the covered conical clay earthenware dish it is cooked in. It may be made with lamb, chicken, or other meat, and is a combination of sweet and sour flavors. It usually includes prunes, almonds, onions, and cinnamon. Pigeons are often included in dishes, particularly the bastila, a flaky pastry filled with meat, nuts, and spices and coated with sugar and cinnamon before it is baked. Popular vegetables include okra, meloukhia (spinachlike greens), and radishes. Fruits found in this region include oranges, lemons, and pears. Legumes such as broad beans (fava beans), lentils, yellow peas, and black-eyed peas are important staples. Mint tea and coffee are very popular beverages in this region. The main crops in Egypt are barley and emmer, a type of wheat. Nuts such as pistachios, pine nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts are cultivated. Apples, apricots, grapes, melons, quinces, figs, and pomegranates grow in this fertile region. Ancient gardens featured lettuce, peas, cucumbers, beets, beans, herbs, and greens. Pharaohs considered mushrooms a delicacy. Egypt has several national dishes. Koushari (lentils, macaroni, rice, and chickpeas) kofta (spicy, minced lamb), and kebab (grilled lamb pieces) are the most popular. Ful (pronounced “fool,” bean paste), tahini (sesame paste), and aish baladi (a pitalike bread) are common accompaniments. Egypt’s records indicate that bread was made in more than thirty different shapes. They included pita types made either with refined white flour called aysh shami, or with coarse, whole wheat aysh baladi. Sweet cakes were made by combining honey, dates and other fruits, spices, and nuts with the dough, which was baked in the shapes of animals and birds. The main staple of the Sudanese diet is a type of bread called kissra, which is made of durra (sorghum, one of the most important cereal crops in the world) or corn. It is served with the many variety of stews. Dried okra is used in preparing stews like waika, bussaara, and sabaroag. Miris is a stew that is made from sheep’s fat, onions, and dried okra. Vegetables like potatoes, eggplants, and others are used in preparing other stews with meat, onions, peanut butter, and spices. Elmaraara and umfitit are made of sheep lungs, liver, and stomach. To these are added onions, peanut butter, and salt; it is eaten raw. Soups are an important part of Sudanese cuisine; the most popular is kawari’, made of cattle’s or sheep’s hoofs with vegetables and spices. Elmussalammiya is a soup made with liver, flour, dates, and spices. These meals are accompanied with porridge (asseeda), which is made with wheat flour or corn, and served with kissra. Due to climatic conditions and poor soils, Libya imports most foods. Domestic food production meets only about 25 percent of demand. Typically, grains such as wheat and barley, dates, and soft fruits provide the staple items, along with lamb and some fish.

WESTERN AFRICA

This is the first part of Africa that Europeans explored. Prior to this, main staples included rice, millet, and lentils. Portuguese, Briti